I am not very good at receiving a blessing, but I am learning.  We were out eating with some friends one day and one of our friends ask for our ticket.  My mind rushed into reasoning mode – what can I say, how can I get out of this, what do I do?  She then got a very determined look and strong voice and said:  “Don’t you dare steal my opportunity to bless you, now please just receive it!”  I gave up the ticket, but not because I wanted to.  What was my problem?  Why would I not want to receive the blessing of a free lunch?  Could it be ego or pride?  In my heart, I knew it was a little bit of both.

I was thinking just the other day of times that I felt like I should have been blessed and I wasn’t.  It was the complete opposite feeling inside of me, but was generated by the same exact thing – ego and pride.  I don’t think of myself as a very egotistical person and I don’t really consider myself a proud person, but these two seem to creep into my life when I least expect them.

This week, we were able as a family to have an amazing experience!  We were able to go to Disney World and hop around four different parks all week-long.  Our meals were paid for and our transportation for the week was provided.  All we had to do, was show up and enjoy.

Here’s how the deal came down:  My wifes Dad has finally retired and after promising two of his grandkids years ago that he would take them to Disney when he retired, he has made good on his promise. He did not just take the two he promised!  He included all the bothers, sisters, moms and dads (sons, daughters, son in-laws and daughter in-laws for a total of 16!

My family of four has loved it.  I told someone last night:  This is not something that I think I would have ever got to do.  If I had not received this gift of a trip, then this is something magical that my family would have missed out on.  I am so thankful that the Lord laid it on Jimmy’s heart to bless our family in this way and I am so thankful that the Lord helped me to not let my ego and pride get in the way.

We have had a great time, but more importantly, we have created memories that will last a lifetime.  And for me, one of the greatest blessings of the trip, is all of the things that God is teaching me.  I’ve still got a long way to go, but I’m learning!