My Treat

“Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what little girls are made of.” My grandfather was delighted to have a granddaughter and I was happy to be the recipient of his affections. As an only child I basked in the glory of the attention of my family, and while I wouldn’t say I was a brat, I was indeed spoiled. When I married my husband, I became an insta mom of three daughters who were 6, 8, and 10. Three little girls! It was natural for me to want to spoil them, but alas, it was just not possible to do it in the same way I received. I began to look for special ways to treat them— creative and fun moments to express my love.

Nothing is sweeter than cold ice cream on a hot summer day. Well, that is unless it's accompanied by the words, "My treat!" Who doesn’t like to be treated to something special? Being a recipient of someone’s generosity communicates value. Treats are unexpected. They exist outside the celebration timelines of birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions.

There is a shared experience between kids, dogs, and adults when the word “treat” is mentioned. Ears perk right up. The anticipation and excitement are palpable. The dictionary defines treats as an unexpected source of joy, delight, or amusement. That sounds about right! They have the power to change the atmosphere. All I need to do is say the word “treat” in front of my pups and no matter what is delivered on the other side of the tease, they are filled with joy.

While we know that there is also joy in the giving, the motivation for the giver is not the end result of joyful feelings, instead, it’s kindness. Kindness is an act— benevolence that flows from the root of love. It’s easy to be kind to those who bring us joy and delight. It feels good to give to those who seemingly deserve it. But what about those who don’t?

It didn’t take long for me to discover the well-kept parental secret—kids hurt your feelings! I was shocked to discover that my three littles had so much impact on my heart. I didn’t know that the superhero power of parents was unconditional love; to move past the very real and persistent disappointment and frustration and continue to give to the “undeserving.” Kindness trumps feelings. This discovery brought new light and revelation to the amazing grace and mercy of the Lord.

The goodness of God and His faithful, loving kindness is not dependent on our behavior. We cannot earn it. In fact, the Bible speaks about the kindness of the Lord in the face of our undeserving behavior;

“You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in His justice, will punish anyone who does such things. . . Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” — Romans 2:1–2, 4

God’s kindness and unmatched love saves us from darkness and condemnation and fills our lives with freedom and great joy. It’s the greatest treat of all! Jesus made it possible for all of us to benefit from the generous love of the Father. God’s gift perks our ears, stirs our hearts and changes not only our day but our whole lives. And it’s all available to us even before our attitude changes. His kindness and love are truly unconditional.

As I lean in to the leading of the Holy Spirit to grow and become more like Jesus, I am convinced. Without realizing it, I sometimes extend the “treats” to those who have done better. The ones who perform best or delight more. It’s easy to slip into reward-based love. But that’s not what the Lord models. Forgiveness, freedom, power, his presence, and eternal life—the greatest gifts of all time, it’s all on him. I certainly don’t deserve it, but his lavish love is all around. He delights in his children, even when we give him all the reasons to hold back.

The kindness of the Lord is present. His delight is all around. He longs to give us the desires of our hearts and so much more. Hear the Lord say, “My treat!” Receive it and enjoy!

Joyfully,

Season Bowers