Summer is on it's way...but first, a bit more Rain

June 2, 2009

I woke up this morning on the wrong side of the bed. I had been up several times during the night for different reasons...snoring by my hubby, the restroom calling, restless legs, my oldest daughter with upset stomach, sleeping uncomfortably on the couch, etc. Although initially, I felt I had "justification" for being grumpy and out of sorts, the Lord drew my attention to the way I was affecting my precious daughters...they hesitated before they asked something of me. That was enough to convict me of my attitude and ultimately my wrong heart! Much later, after making amends with my sweet-spirited little girls, I was at the computer doing some work. I looked outside as it started to rain, and I saw the scattered colorful sidewalk chalk on the patio that we had forgotten to pick up last night.

As the rain softly pattered down on the cement, I watched the chalk writing wash away, and I noticed the muted colors of the chalk sticks turning brighter. That got me thinking about us, and our sin, and God. I realized that we are much like the chalk. We are muted in our color...dusty, even. The things we do in this life are pale reflections of what God's brilliant design for each of us is. The beautiful colors He created in us are all different and unique. When we write on the sidewalk of life, we make our mark. The effects of chalk, however, cannot be lasting. It fades with time, it gets scuffed over, and eventually, it vanishes. Our sin is like mistakes we make while chalk drawing. Chalk cannot erase itself, but God's cleansing Living Water washes over the mistakes and they disappear completely. Our colors are dull and faded until He washes away the dust, revealing the brilliant colors He designed us to be in the first place.

How comforted I was to be reminded in such a quiet, innocent way of God's design and forgiveness! I am so thankful to have a God that not only teaches me through the power of His Word, but that He takes the time to love me and teach me through every day things, when I listen to His Spirit! What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!