Qualified

Mike Luzine picked us up at the Calgary airport.  We'd been invited to speak at a marriage retreat for the churches in Calgary and Edmonton.  The thought crossed my mind that upon sight of me he might rethink the invitation.

I had been having allergies that made my eyes look like I had ended a three-day crying jag with a night of serious drinking.  Fortunately, Mike did not jump to conclusions.  With great courtesy (and possibly great restraint), he didn't even mention my scarlet complexion or my swollen, bloodshot eyes.

I actually don't drink at all.  Alcohol reminds me of my childhood gagging down cough medicine.  Now, I know that I could rise above those unpleasant memories and develop a taste for the stuff, but I've seen the calorie count.  Why try to overcome an aversion that's working in my favor?

I cry pretty easily, but the truth is I don't have much reason to cry.  However, I rarely take communion without shedding tears.  There is something about facing who I am without God,and the price he was willing to pay to save me--it's that combination of grief and gratitude that taps into my deepest emotions. 

Communion is God saying: "Come celebrate with me the victory of the cross, my child."

And it's me responding: "Thank you!  I want my whole life to be a thank you to you!"

Colossians 1:12
...and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritnce of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

I'm qualified--not by my effort, but by the power of his blood.  Joyful and thankful!