What Do You Think You Deserve?

Deserve: To earn by service; to be worthy of (something due, either good or evil); to merit; to be entitled to;

The word 'deserve' can be used in many ways. People often say they 'deserve' better wages or better housing or perhaps, a larger amount in their SS checks.
Or, parents tell children, "I 'deserve' respect and obedience." Sometimes, they tell the child, they  'deserve' a punishment of some kind.
I'm sure we have all heard people lament, after a calamity of some sort,  "What did I do to 'deserve' this?"











I read this morning of a man who won millions by purchasing one lottery ticket. Did he 'deserve' to win? He didn't do anything spectacular; just spent a couple bucks on a ticket, but he had the RIGHT ticket. Did he 'earn' the right to win? No bu I would bet he would like to set off some fireworks in celebration.

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Then there are times we proclaim our wrath by saying someone 'deserved' the sentence or consequences they received. "He/she got what they deserved!" Or perhaps they didn't get what we think they deserved for their crimes.

What started my thoughts on the word 'deserve?' I will tell you. Nearly a year ago, I took one of my hearing aids in for repair. When they gave me an estimated cost, I decided I could function with using only one. Several months ago, the second one needed some repair. The cost was prohibitive so I told the technician to hold them until I could find $500. (Which could be never in my world) He obviously misunderstood (maybe HE needs hearing aids) and had them both repaired. I continued to function with captions on the TV and lots of 'What did you say?' moments.

I had the chance to visit a long-time friend who I had not seen for a while. She and her husband sold their farm and now live in a beautiful smaller home. While enjoying lunch with them, she told me she had hearing aids. So, I told her my story. There was no whining or complaining on my part; just laughing about how many times I have no idea what someone is saying.

Before I left, she got out her checkbook and asked for the name of the company who repaired them. Then she wrote a check for the $500. I was flabbergasted...is that still a word?... I immediately said, "I don't deserve that."
She responded, "No. You don't. But I love you and I want to do this."
I laughed, took her check and will be hearing again on Friday. I didn't deserve it; I had done nothing to even remotely deserve it, I could never repay it and was not expected to; it was a gift. Free...with no strings attached.

What do we deserve from our Heavenly Father? Absolutely nothing but condemnation. Have you done something to deserve his love and forgiveness? Neither have I nor anyone else. It is a gift paid for by Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.

As I observe the season of Lent, I think about a few things: What exactly do I think I deserve in this life? Happiness every day? No troubles or sadness? No arguments or misunderstandings? Perfect friends, spouse, children?
When I realize what I really deserve, am I 'flabbergasted' by God's goodness and forgiveness and his ultimate sacrifice? I hope so.