Saturday, August 12, 2017

Grace Fillled Lessons and Help



Kalynne, a Minneapolis mom, was sitting at a table in Starbucks, inside a Target store, when she witnessed an encounter with a young boy and someone she assumed was his father.  The boy accidentally spilled his red and blue slushee.  It splattered and made quite a mess on the floor.  Instantly the son began apologizing.  The father responded, “Hey, it happens.  Let’s go get napkins and I can show you how to clean it up.”  Realizing that response was one she wanted to remember, Kalynne opened the notes app on her phone and recorded the conversation.  After patiently helping his son clean up the mess and throwing away the messy napkins, the father continued, “You’re going to be a human being for a long time, and you have such a smart brain that it’s important you learn how to be more aware of what you’re doing.  So next time just be sure to pay more attention to your surroundings so accidents like this don’t happen.  Accidents like these can be prevented, but it’s still okay if they happen.  As long as you take responsibility for your mistakes, the cleanup is a breeze.”  While still sitting nearby, Kalynne heard the father further respond, “I know big messes seem overwhelming and you might feel like you can’t do it by yourself, but it’s okay to ask for help.  There is no problem with asking for help when you need it.”

That’s a conversation I can hear my loving Heavenly Father saying, too. 
“Lord, I’m sorry.  I made a mess.”
“You’re forgiven. I’ll show you how to clean it up.” 
“You’re human.”
“I’ve given you a smart brain to use to help avoid these situations.”
“It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and what you are doing.”
“Mistakes/accidents will happen.  Take responsibility and clean them up.”
“It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.”
 “I’m here to teach, encourage, and come alongside you.”

As I’m learning and cleaning up the messes, may I also be willing to be an encouraging and grace filled helper for others in the process.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3

Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
Acts 13:38

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
John 1:9

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

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