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a backhanded sweetness

A few years ago a friend of mine received a gift from her small children for her birthday: a sponge-bob decorated cake and a bottle of smell-good lotion.  Her husband over-ruled the kids' present ideas of a doll and some other toy as "the gift that Momma really, truly wants".  Did I mention how much her little girl LOVES smelly lotions and powders?  We laughed. It was sweet.  We like this, we want this, so it would make a GREAT birthday present for Mom.

I thought about that yesterday during church. We had popcorn testimonies finishing out the statement "I love Jesus because..."  and it was very special. Every answer that went through my mind as people were talking made me realize just how spoiled and selfish I truly am.  I love Jesus because he loves me even when I fail him. I love Jesus because he is faithful. I love Jesus because he puts up with my whining and questions. I love Jesus because he doesn't zap me dead when I (SPOILER ALERT: Bobby don't read) drink two Dr. Peppers in one day and have some chocolate even though I've promised to come off caffeine and treat my "temple" in a more dignified manner. I love Jesus because he gives peace in the midst of trials. I love Jesus because he's never left me hungry or naked. I love Jesus because his letters to me are full of all kinds of writings. I love Jesus because even when I resist his leading he gently prods me back instead of "breaking the lamb's leg" (as my dear sweethearts in Jr church told me about yesterday).  I love Jesus because he gave me a beautiful world to live in. I love Jesus because he hasn't punished me (not yet anyway) for complaining about my hair, figure, faults, etc.
I mean, how can I be so irritable when talking to someone who has done nothing but good for me?  How can I moan and groan and act so defeated when my Creator not only gave me everything I truly need, but has also promised to hold my hand through every scary thing I may face? 
I love Jesus because I will never totally comprehend the depths of his love.  His love for ME. 
And that's a neat way to start out a Monday, knowing that the one who knows me better than anyone else loves me beyond measure.
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