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Deserve is a funny word. It's one of the first things that pops out of any good girlfriend's mouth when a boy breaks your heart, "You deserve way better!". But then, you start to list all of the heartbreaker's good qualities and you protest, "But they're a great guy/girl… They seemed like the perfect choice at the time." But, see, the deserving isn't in their unique combination of desirable qualities. It's lost the minute they break your heart. The minute they don't recognize you for all your uncomfortably weird and uncommonly beautiful glory. A friend of mine spoke this truth into my life last weekend from her own recent struggles. Finding common ground of struggle is such a blessing. So, praise God for the common threads of human experience.

This doesn't just extend to matters of romance. This extends to the people you fill your life with. Sometimes, they can be phenomenal people in their own right and phenomenally toxic in your relationship with them. It's the combination, not the individual. It doesn't lessen the other person's right to life and love, but when they get in the way of your inalienable right to be joyful, that's when things get hairy. Sometimes, more is less. Sometimes, more is pruning people from your life who make you less you. Sometimes, more is just you, standing up for your right to be recognized and loved and treasured. 

Praise God for Jesus, because most of the time, He's all the more you need. Because He loves and recognizes you to the extent that you deserve and then some. And, in Him, we are so much more than conquerors. We have a stamp of love and grace on our hearts that leads us to full and abundant life. Jesus is a weird mixture of love you deserve and don't deserve at the same time. So, rest in the humble confidence of being a child of God who has been fearfully and wonderfully made. And, love, serve and respect mankind, because like you, they deserve more.

Let me close with some song lyrics that have echoed through my head frequently as of late:

"Every single broken heart will lead you to the truth

you think you know what you’re lookin’ for

til what you’re lookin’ for finds you

In a cold world, it’s a warm place

where you know you’re supposed to be

A million moments full of sweet relief

when the right one comes along"