Awhile back I drove to the University of Minnesota to meet with some dudes I mentor.  I parked on the street in a 1 hour zone.  I came back 1 hour and 15 minutes later, worried that I would get a ticket since the traffic enforcers are very diligent around the campus.  As I skated up on my longboard, I saw a ticket on the car in front of mine.  That car had not been there when I parked, so this person was parked for less time than me and still got a ticket.  I thought for sure I would have one.  But low and behold:  I did not get a ticket!  I have no idea why not, but Praise the Lord!

This week I’ve been learning something from Luke.  Luke often talks about the lack of something.  He says things like “the baby is not crying” and “the dog is not barking”.  At first I did not take notice.  But just recently I have taken notice at what Luke is really pointing out.  He recognizes the goodness from something not being there.  The baby not crying is a good thing!  It is something worth pointing out and celebrating!

So this week I’ve been thinking of all those hidden blessings from God that I might not have recognized because it was something God prevented or stopped.  I know there are many times I did not get in a car accident when in all honesty it seemed like it was going to happen.  And how about all the times I did not get sick, our water heater did not break, our car did not break down, I did not fall on my skateboard, Luke did not fall down the stairs, we did not get food poisoning from the take-out, we did not forget to pay a bill, we did not get into an argument, I did not lose my wallet, I did not step in dog poop, etc.

Lots of times I lament the things God has not given me, the blessing I prayed for and have not yet received.  But I should be praising God for the things He has not given me!  I am sure he has protected us from much!  That’s Grace!

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