Musings and observations

OK, so I am not a hugely consistent blogger, but I have been inspired while trawling through a whole host of blogs in the past few days that I can do better!!
While at a play date with our kids today I was wondering what motivates people to get on the hamster wheel of "perfect"presentation of food/snacks etc. There is also a need to be the inviter and never to feel indebted to anyone. It makes you feel good to be the one with the upper hand in the situation. The idea of not being able to reciprocate for a favour in some way is seemingly unthinkable. While talking about it tonight with Brad we decided that the concept of grace is a completely foreign one. It is a hard concept to grasp, the idea that something is freely given without something being exchanged or needing to be given in return.

However, as Christians we can completely understand that concept, and, if we are acting as Christ has commanded us then we should be demonstrating grace to others on a daily basis. This would logically extend to playdates without it being your "turn" to host, running a child to pre-school or school on a regular basis expecting nothing in return. Unfortunately this kind of attitude will not be understood often and people will not want to take the offer as they feel they are unable to reciprocate in some way. What a parallel we see here of God's grace to us in sending Jesus. It is a free gift, no strings attached. No reciprocation demanded or needed in order to accept it. In fact, we are unable to reciprocate. Then why the hesitation to accept? Something so simple becomes extremely complicated to the point of total avoidance and ultimately eternal detriment.