Fully Accepted and Always Welcome

Have you seen that commercial about the monk trying to be in perfect harmony with nature?

It’s an oldie that always makes me smile in a “I remember that” sort of way. Oh, not the part where he turns over that sweet turtle that’s trapped on its back, although I would definitely do that! And not the part where he scoops up a spider indoors and releases it safely outdoors. I would never do that! The part that I identify with is when he reaches for a tissue and blows his nose, only to shrink back in horror at the words printed on the box. There in bold print is the proud announcement that Kleenex kills 99.9 percent of viruses. Kills them. As the commercial trails off, the monk looks heavenward as an unseen voice says “Thank goodness for forgiveness. Thank goodness for Kleenex tissue.”

There was a time when my twisted thinking had me living much like that monk, trapped in my own efforts to avoid sin to please God. I had given my life to God but I battled endlessly to live out my faith and walk daily with my Savior. However small the failure, there was always something I had or had not done that was there to trip me up, make me feel distanced from my Father, and supply my enemy with yet another opportunity to holler, “Gotcha!”

These days find me spending almost an equal amount of time thanking Father for teaching me how to enjoy my faith as I do thanking Him for my salvation. I now live in the assurance of I John 1:7 that Jesus keeps me and He cleanses me when I’m walking in His light.

Is such thinking a license to do whatever I will? Hardly. It’s an invitation to come and dine with the Master that beckons me closer twenty-four seven. Pass the Kleenex. These are tears of joy!

Hugs, Shellie