It Is What It Is!

A group from our church went into one of South Carolina's maximum security prisons the other day, to minister to the inmates during the Christmas season. Because of the giving of the people here at Beech Springs, we were able to carry in gift bags and serve a meal to the guys as well. The appreciation that was shown from the inmates was very genuine and in some ways overwhelming. I could not help but think about those men and their situation, in comparison to my life. Here are a few things that may have made the difference between us.
1)Choices
One bad decision on their part could have resulted in a backlash of destructive life patterns. Smoking one joint, taking one drink, or engaging in one bad relationship could have started the down spiral. By the way, bad choices may not always pertain to drugs, alcohol, and wild friends.
2)Parents
How many of those guys were from broken homes? Maybe there were no parameters placed on their lives during the formidable years. I'm glad I had parents who would 'bust my butt' when they caught me stepping outside of those parameters.
3)Caught
Yes, Caught! A lot of you are just like me. I deserved some "time" for some of the things that I participated in. Don't take this to mean that I was some hardened criminal. I'm not a fugitive! I have had some dark days back there, and unlike some of those inmates, I never got caught.
4)Grace
If not for grace where would I be? Where would you be? God has blessed my life. He's given me so much that I never deserved! "To whom much is given, much is required."

You may not like to think of yourself as being so closely related to the "criminals."
But, It Is What It IS!