One time, shortly after she came, she said, “Debbie, I don’t know how you handle all these little kids without help.” I don’t know, either.

She’s really good with our kids, fixing them sandwiches, motivating them to pick up toys, and tolerating their constant requests. She’s really good at loading the dishwasher in the mornings, too, and I’ve never asked her to do it. She wants to help.

Having her here has made me realize something: It’s much easier to understand receiving after choosing to give.

Maybe that’s why people have kids. I give and give to them. They have so little to give in return, but I’d still give even more… everything…

even on days when they act entitled (not that it’s not frustrating or difficult sometimes).

It helps me understand how God could give and give to us, when we didn’t even like God.

I can’t understand how God could hand over his son to us, but he had it planned from the beginning. God split his own nature, like the covenant sacrifices were split in pieces, and he became the permanent sacrifice.

It’s not easy for me to receive help from anyone (see the Five Love Languages post, where I scored zero on acts of service). It’s humbling when my sister-in-law washes yesterday’s dishes. I’d rather clean things up for myself. She’s ok, though – I know we’re giving to her, and it makes it easier to receive from her, too.