As I overlook the ocean view from my balcony at the St. Regis resort with the sound of cascading waterfalls in the background, I am both grateful and thankful for my life. In a few minutes, I will visit a 5-star spa for a morning of pampering and royal treatment. While I enjoy the resort’s amenities, hotel staff stand ready and attentive to my needs. No detail goes unnoticed.

I did nothing to ear…n the benefits I am enjoying at this resort;  someone else did.  Someone else put forth the  effort to meet a work goal which resulted in a luxurious trip. That person is my husband. And because he loves me so much, he wanted to share the fruit of his labor.

Isn’t that so like Our Heavenly Father? We have done nothing to reap the benefits of His  Son’s death and resurrection; yet, God gifts us with all the amenities of the cross. We enjoy forgiveness, peace, joy and eternal life. We have all of heaven standing attentive and ready to meet our needs.

“For God so loved the World, He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

So, today I am grateful and thankful for the time I am able to enjoy with my husband, but also for all the amenities I enjoy with my relationship in Christ Jesus. It’s the best of both worlds.