This week, really listen to this line from Jesus’ parable about the workers in the vineyard.  We keep trying to earn God’s grace and God’s blessings (and therefore getting annoyed when we don’t get what we think we deserve, or, worse, when we see someone else get what we think they don’t deserve).

What will it take for us to really accept that it’s just not about earning and deserving? What will it take for us to believe that it’s all about God’s insanely abundant generosity?

It’ll take letting go of our need to be in control, that’s what.  On some level, I’d like to believe it’s about earning what I deserve, because then I can believe that I control, through my decisions and actions, what the outcome will be.  And it feels safer to be in control, even of a meager outcome, than to let go and simply receive, even if I receive incredible abundance.

This week, push against the grain in you that wants to be in control and earn what you get.  Practice insane generosity—just for a week! 

When someone speaks to you, stop what you’re doing at once and give them your full and undivided attention.  When someone asks a small favor, don’t say “Just a minute”—drop whatever you’re doing and do what they ask immediately.  Make an effort to really notice the people around you, and take the initiative to do things to lighten their load, smooth their way, cheer or comfort their hearts.

Give of yourself—your time, your attention, your effort and talents and skills, your money and possessions—without counting or looking for a payback.  Just for a week!  And think about Jesus’ parable from time to time.