--Gratitude to our Lord Jesus~~

--"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
--[1John 3:1 / NIV] -- angelwing

--You should try it," my husband said.

"I don't know."
We were on a date in our favorite small town where Main Street means old-fashioned candy shops, antiques stores, and boutiques filled with lovely, unusual things. We walked hand in hand, sipping coffee and window-shopping, until I saw the blouse. It was a delicate floral print of deep blue and white. I knew we couldn't afford it. Tiny vintage buttons trickled down the front.

"I'm sure it's expensive," I said.
"Let's see," Lonny said. He held the door and ginned wide.
A few moments later, I admired the blouse in the dressing room mirror. It was perfect.

"Beautiful," Lonny said when I pulled back the curtain.
Then fast as the fondness came a barrage of thoughts. Two boys needed soccer shoes. One needed a jacket. Another grew overnight and had high-water jeans. The blouse was an extravagance.

I shut the curtain, worked the tiny buttons, and returned to the hanger. But as I slipped back into my own top, Lonny's smile and the love in his eyes came to mind. It made me think of God's love for me. It's extravagant. It's rich and lovely and beyond what I can ever deserve. He knows my heart and loves me anyway.

I opened the curtain once more. "I'm going to insist,"Lonnie said.
"I adore it," I replied. "Thank you."

Besides a sweater that my boys bought me years ago, the blouse is my favorite thing to wear. ~~

--"Lord, Your extravagant love covers me. Thank You. Thank You for all the extra blessings you give me that I do not deserve, but so appreciate it. In Christ's Name."

--"Gratitude"// Brandon Lake (lyric video) <https://youtu.be/LDHCzm0mhuk>
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Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]