Privileged Birds, Privileged YOU and ME

PRIVILEGED means having special rights, advantages, favored

My sweet sister knows my love for cardinals because of so many that have visited me since my dear husband’s graduation to heaven seven plus years ago. She gave me these two cardinals yesterday that were given to her years ago. It touched my heart so much that she remembered what cardinals mean to me. I’m PRIVILEGED to KNOW where my sweetheart is right now. His grave site is here in Tulsa, but I rarely visit it because I know he's not there. As Billy Graham said, “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God." I love that and that’s what I've thought since the day of my sweetheart's passing. Because I know he’s alive and well, those little cardinals which are said to represent a loved one visiting us, have been my little treat – every time I see one. I’m privileged to think that way.

I’m PRIVILEGED with happy and good thoughts daily because I choose to do so. Why am I and why are YOU so PRIVILEGED? Several years ago I was in Hawaii and eating in one of the open air restaurants. As I sat there, I watched the PRIVILEGED birds have a continual feast when someone would get up from their table. They'd sweep in and devour the leftovers. As I thought about those birds, I thought about the exquisite, yet simple lifestyle they have. They don't have to dig for worms or look far for food -- they just eat from the tables that are so readily accessible. Then, I thought about birds in other countries -- where there is abounding poverty, where there is little food to be found. Yet, those birds just stay with their "status quo", instead of venturing over to a place of blessings and abundance. They have settled for their "lot in life".

Isn't that like many of us who settle in for "I guess that's the best I can do....or the best that I can get"? As children of God, there's a place of PRIVILEGE and abundance for us, if we'll step out in faith and go for the opportunities and blessings that are just waiting for us. When we receive Christ by faith, we have the privilege of becoming His children. We are adopted into His family. "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12.

Back to those birds. In Matthew 6, Jesus put it this way “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Indeed, we are PRIVILEGED to be children of God Who daily offers us so many blessings, but maybe it’s a matter of being present to recognize them. I’m quick to recognize the cardinals. What if we started recognizing our PRIVILEGES daily as children of God? Living in a free country, having a roof over our head, running water, a warm bed to sleep in, plenty of food to eat. Matthew 6:26 again – “BUT, seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL THESE THINGS (PRIVILEGES) shall be added to you.”

Am I Your Favorite?

That's the question I get, regularly, from my four youngest grandchildren. It's actually quite hilarious and my usual answer is, "I love you all the same" or "I love you all uniquely because you are all so special in your very own ways!" I will respond to my 11 year old, Bryson, when I get that question from him, "Yes, you are my FAVORITE 11-year old." None of those answers seem to satisfy them because of late, it's the last one to have my cell phone in hand who places their photo on my home page, that they deem to be my "favorite". When my Alexia and Payton saw that I had Bryson's birthday picture on my home screen a couple of days ago (because I was just there celebrating his birthday), they battled it out for who's picture would be there. It seems Alexia won because hers is the one on there now. For my birthday, Payton wrote on my card envelope: "To: Nana, From your favorite grandson aka Payton. Alexia wrote: "To Nana, From Alexia (Your fav granddaughter). I love this competition for Nana's approval and love. They know they have it and, of course, I know they're all playing me!

When my husband was in his final days on this earth, my daughter, Staci, and I would often be with him, tending to his needs and wants. One day -- without looking directly at either of us, he said, "I love you so much, my precious darling!" We both asked, at the same time, "Which of us are you talking to?" In his usual finesse and wisdom, announced "Both of you!" VERY wise man.

Maybe you don't feel like anybody's "favorite" today. Here's the truth -- I am God’s favorite…and so are you! Psalm 16:3 As for the saints who are on the earth, they are excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."

I have people respond to me from time to time, “Wow, God sure loves you and favors you!" The fact is I know I'm not favored above anyone else, but I do know I want to make Him famous so I talk about Him a lot. I celebrate His blessings -- big and small. But, the fact of the matter is God says in His Word, He is not partial. Romans 2:11 "For God shows no partiality." He will not favor me over you. You see, I am His favorite, but you are too! I rejoice with you that you share in this great reality. We are God’s own favorite people.

It’s hard to imagine that our great God is not partial, but we are, in fact, His favorites. We are His own special people and so are any of the “whosoevers” that John 3:16 talks about. The "whosoevers" become His favorites by believing John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life!" That's forever! That means He loves us so much that He will never be an "empty-nester". You know, like those parents who look forward to their kids moving out and starting their own lives. That's not God. He welcomes us to live with Him forever and ever!

So, yes, we are God’s favorites FOREVER. You and I are God’s special treasures and this astounding promise lasts forever and FOREVER! Hebrews 13:5 "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

May we realize that we are all God’s favorites. If He had a cell phone, my picture would be on it when I looked, and when you looked, your picture would be on it. In return for that favoritism, may we live our lives completely out loud for those who are lost and hurting and don't know His love. May we help Him help all of His kids to know His love that can never be compared and that they would know they are God’s favorites, too!