The past few days were unearned. I was a guest of people I care deeply about who own a magnificent three-story villa on a beautiful lake. When both they and my husband were called away by other obligations I had all three stories of luxury to myself to write, to meditate, to pray.
I didn’t own the villa. As a retiree there is no way I could afford a place like this. In fact, I could probably not afford to rent a place like this for even one night. It was a free gift. Other than cleaning up after myself and making sure the door was locked when I went out for a walk along the shore early in the morning I had no responsibilities toward its upkeep. My only obligation was to enjoy it.
And I did. I sat in the hot tub on the roof garden and contemplated the stars. I sat on the bench beside the lake and absorbed the pink sunset flickering in the water. I helped myself to peaches freshly plucked from a tree. I slept in a bedroom almost the size of my house. I even came to appreciate the fact that in the interest of interpersonal connectivity the owner disconnected from the internet. It was just me and God in that villa by the lake.
I felt the Lord saying, “Thus is my grace. It’s a gift. You have done nothing to earn my love. You can’t earn my love. Just sit in my presence and let me love on you a little longer.”
Today, back home, with responsibilities and guests of my own to minister to, I am aware that every breath I take is a gift and I am determined to enjoy His continued presence, for He has promised to never leave me. He is here.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you, Lord.
Charis: Subject to Change 
Beautiful shots!
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Thank you, AnaLucia! May God pour his grace and light upon you.
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Such well-timed encouragement. Thank you.
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He’s never late, is He?
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Never!
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Beautiful picture of grace–unmerited favor! Your photos draw me in Charis, and I get to share in the wonderful time. Thank you! 😀
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There’s a wideness in His grace that is difficult to conceive. There is always plenty to go around, isn’t there?
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Absolutely!
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Amen to that. One can’t earn his love. So true. Just as with your villa for a day, the only obligation we have to pay for our end of the transaction is to accept it.
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Isn’t that amazing?
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Amen! Thank you for the reminder that God’s grace is unearned.
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How can I help but worship Him?
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what a glorious place to worship! Breathtaking !
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It is lovely.
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