I’m a Thankful Mess

My niece sent me this photo of her grandson whose parents are out of town. Yes, this little guy has taken over her home. Eventually she gets to tidy up, but then the little guy unloads this toys all over again. But, this grandmother is thankful to be able to clean up his messes.

This girl, while I may appear all-together, there are just times, I am a mess. Maybe there are times when you are a mess, too! But there’s a solution for our messes. I heard a friend make a good confession. He said that his in-laws get a little uncomfortable with all the crosses in their home. In fact they have one in every room — including their bathrooms.

My friend says the reason they have crosses in every room is because: “I’m a mess and I need the cross as a reminder every day who I need to be for my wife and kids.” That makes sense to me. I, too, want to be reminded every day of Who I need to be for the WHOSE I am.

I am so thankful. Every day, I get to write stories about love, life, hope and joy. Stories that, hopefully, convey that life is so much sweeter when we get our priorities straight. God is the biggest part of it. I never want anything I say to sound like I’m venting — but always imparting God’s grace and mercy that is extended to us every day.

You may not know it, but there are many days that I use this blog as a counseling session — for ME! I like it that way: I come with issues. God comes with peace. I come weak. God comes with strength. I come needy. He comes ready to satisfy my every need. I come with a mess and He gives me a message.

I come needing an idea for a blog. God, my idea-provider, gives me wisdom. It’s His specialty. This is our power boost — coming weak and He comes on strong with His grace. This is our faith, being dependent on His faithfulness. I am so thankful. My posture of leaning on Him, reminds me of that, every time, He’s got big arms to hold me up. It helps me see that every bump in the road is softened because He’s the great shock-absorber. He brings glide to my ride! (I’m a poet. Didn’t know it.)

I call. He answers. I cry. He catches my tears. He understands and draws near as I pursue Him and His Word. I wait (which sometimes feels like forever). He faithfully and, in His timing, rushes in. He’ll do the same for you.

What weakness do you bear that His shoulders aren’t strong enough to handle it? The Counselor waits. We show up for our appointment and before we know it, we are armored up with His strength and power.

After day-in-and-day-out writing my blogs, I see God’s goodness in the land of my living out life — the messes, the tough times and the joy-filled times. I find Him there with open arms to give me just what I need — especially when I need it the most.

What seems impossible, He makes possible. I show up with my muddy combat boots on and He washes them off and lets me rest a while. Then He sends me out another time. Indeed, God loves using mess-ups to do mighty works for Him.

“And, through our God, I shall do valiantly. It is He Who will tread down my enemies.” (Psalm 60:12)