The D Word

There is a word that I really dislike.  Whenever I hear someone use it I get a little annoyed and it takes a lot of restraint to not say something about it.  So today I'm letting loose in the hopes that maybe we can think a little more about what this word really means.   The word is deserve.

I hear people say things like, "I have to have go on vacation every few months.  I. Deserve it." or "I deserve a new outfit.  I've been working so hard." That word can be inserted into pretty much any sort of indulgence in order to justify the choices we make.

Now, don't get me wrong, I have no problem at all with vacations, new outfits,  delicious food, fancy coffee or nights out on the town.  In fact I enjoy these things to whenever I can. The problem I have is with the idea of deserving them.   Like we are owed for being or doing well.  In fact that is the definition of the word deserve.   To do something, have or show qualities worthy of reward (or punishment).

This would require the world to be fair.   Also, if the world really was fair what makes us think that we would end up being the ones on top?  Are the people living in poverty getting what they deserve?   What about those with terminal illness?   How about the socialite born into money?  Is it because they deserve it?

If the world ran on one big scale of karma then would we really be in as good a standing as we think or would all our little bad deeds have added up to a life of misery?  I for one don't want what I deserve.  I  know I've made far to many mistakes and bad choices for that.  I am, instead, very thankful for grace.  Grace does not give me what I deserve but overlooks the mistakes and misdeeds I do (on a daily basis) and indulges me with generosity.

So maybe we should think twice about asking for what we deserve, because we just might get it.


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