Yesterday, I turned my back on my 3 year old son for a minute while I cared for my infant. When I turned around, I wanted to both laugh and cry. He had gotten into a RED ink pad and smeared it all over him, the wall, and the carpet.
I took him right in, cleaned him up, and told him why we do not do things like this. Frustrated? Yes, but I kept my cool. At that point I think I was just relieved it wasn’t blood!
Minutes later, as I was still cleaning up the mess, I heard the kitchen sink turn on. I stood up from where I was cleaning ink out of the carpet. Lo and behold, there was the same child standing on a chair at the sink playing in the water. Right back to the bathroom for clean up.
The rest of the day was full of constant lectures on why we don’t do certain things. (Why kids always decide to learn so much of these lessons in one day is beyond me…)
Imagine how it is for God. We are CONSTANTLY getting in to things we shouldn’t. Making one mess after another, while He is constantly cleaning up our messes. How frustrated our good Lord must be.
However, just as we still love our children, our Heavenly Father loves us. He wants nothing but the best for us, and will give us as many chances as we need to get it right.
Remember, He is a loving God. A forgiving God. Not a judgmental, begrudging, and hateful God. He wants what is best for you. Won’t you let him help you clean up the mess of your past?
Today, I am thankful for grace and patience. What about you?
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