New Every Morning
"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamantations 3:23
"WHAAAAAAA!" I could hear my four year old granddaughter wail last night in a fit over some offense she perceived coming from her mother's hand. It had been a long day of travels and firefly chasing, leaving the young one exhausted. Her complaints continued escalating after brief moments of muffled sobs in which her mom was explaining the reasons for whatever course of action was being taken at the time. Amazed at the patience this loving mother has, for the rantings continued while she also attended to a new born son, I never heard her raise her voice to the wee girl, but gave her the space she needed to learn.
Sitting in my little area off my room this morning, I could hear this young mother speaking sweet words to her new son who was crying for his breakfast. His sister has not yet awaken, but when she does, I know, from past experience what she will find. Her mother will welcome her warmly into the new day, leaving the night's unpleasantry packed solidly away in the closet of the past as if it never happened. The only remnants that will remain will be the positive lessons learned. This sweet woman will sweep away any hurt she endured into the waste basket of non essentials.
My granddaughter, once aware of her tired behavior the night before could be afraid to meet her mother face to face, ashamed of her hurtful antics; much like those who are abused. I said could...for she won't be. The reason isn't because she is uncaring or un-regretful of her actions. On the contrary, this little girl is quite sensitive of such things, apologizing to bugs she accidentally steps on. No the reason is, she knows the love her mother has for her and she's confident that nothing can destroy that love, not even her. How can she be so sure? Because it has been tested and demonstrated to her over and over again. Instead of reluctance, she eagerly seeks her mama out, cuddling close to her. She knows she's forgiven and whatever happened between them cannot alter their bond, though her "fun" activities have been restricted for a few days - natural consequences for her actions, teaching her it was her behavior not her person-hood that was bad. What a perfect environment to learn about life in.
We too are given such a nurturing environment to grow in. God, my God, looks at me the same way and you. Perhaps you are like me in that when a sin overtakes you and you repent, you are afraid to face Him much as Adam and Eve were afraid. My mind fills with myriads of past offenses, which the enemy of my soul, not Jesus, has kept precise recordings of. I begin listening to the endless babble of failures droning in my mind. If only I would look up, I would see what my granddaughter sees, delight in a relationship restored.
Oh, the love He is! Truly His mercies are New Every Morning! The night has passed, the new dawn has come and He greets me with the same delight my daughter in law greets her girl. I see that my granddaughter and I have both learned valuable lessons.
"WHAAAAAAA!" I could hear my four year old granddaughter wail last night in a fit over some offense she perceived coming from her mother's hand. It had been a long day of travels and firefly chasing, leaving the young one exhausted. Her complaints continued escalating after brief moments of muffled sobs in which her mom was explaining the reasons for whatever course of action was being taken at the time. Amazed at the patience this loving mother has, for the rantings continued while she also attended to a new born son, I never heard her raise her voice to the wee girl, but gave her the space she needed to learn.
Sitting in my little area off my room this morning, I could hear this young mother speaking sweet words to her new son who was crying for his breakfast. His sister has not yet awaken, but when she does, I know, from past experience what she will find. Her mother will welcome her warmly into the new day, leaving the night's unpleasantry packed solidly away in the closet of the past as if it never happened. The only remnants that will remain will be the positive lessons learned. This sweet woman will sweep away any hurt she endured into the waste basket of non essentials.
My granddaughter, once aware of her tired behavior the night before could be afraid to meet her mother face to face, ashamed of her hurtful antics; much like those who are abused. I said could...for she won't be. The reason isn't because she is uncaring or un-regretful of her actions. On the contrary, this little girl is quite sensitive of such things, apologizing to bugs she accidentally steps on. No the reason is, she knows the love her mother has for her and she's confident that nothing can destroy that love, not even her. How can she be so sure? Because it has been tested and demonstrated to her over and over again. Instead of reluctance, she eagerly seeks her mama out, cuddling close to her. She knows she's forgiven and whatever happened between them cannot alter their bond, though her "fun" activities have been restricted for a few days - natural consequences for her actions, teaching her it was her behavior not her person-hood that was bad. What a perfect environment to learn about life in.
We too are given such a nurturing environment to grow in. God, my God, looks at me the same way and you. Perhaps you are like me in that when a sin overtakes you and you repent, you are afraid to face Him much as Adam and Eve were afraid. My mind fills with myriads of past offenses, which the enemy of my soul, not Jesus, has kept precise recordings of. I begin listening to the endless babble of failures droning in my mind. If only I would look up, I would see what my granddaughter sees, delight in a relationship restored.
Oh, the love He is! Truly His mercies are New Every Morning! The night has passed, the new dawn has come and He greets me with the same delight my daughter in law greets her girl. I see that my granddaughter and I have both learned valuable lessons.
posted by beth at 7:03 AM
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