DEVOTION

It’s a new year!

We’ve all probably noticed the influx of numbers at the gym. Many of us consider changes and set goals for the New Year. This year, I was thinking about my goals for myself. Weight loss? Diet change? Budgeting better? While all of these are great areas for improvement, my three-year-old son reminded me of an important goal I need in 2020.

He was playing with all of his Christmas gifts in the living room one Saturday morning, and I went upstairs for what seemed to be only for a few minutes. I returned to the living room to see his back turned to me. He was crouched down with one of his markers from an art kit (obviously from grandparents because parents know better!). He had created a masterpiece on the wood floor. He was beaming with pride until he turned around and saw the astonished look on my face. His smile immediately turned to a frown as the words, “Sorry, Mommy,” came from his mouth.

My initial reaction was to ask in frustration, “Why would you do this?” However, when I picked up the marker and turned it on its side, I was delighted to see every toddler mom’s favorite word: washable. I used a wet paper towel and easily wiped the marker off the floor.

What was once a miserable mess was easily washed away. The floor looked as good as new. I gave my son a hug to reassure him everything was okay, and I was instantly reminded of God’s grace. Grace is one of God’s most amazing gifts to us. His grace upholds and sustains us (2 Corinthians 12:9). What may seem like a mess is easily wiped away, and we are covered with his love. When we made a mess of things, God wiped the stains away and covered us with his love.

How awesome is it to have the privilege of extending to others the same grace God has shown us? What if, instead of honking at the car that cut us off in traffic, we slow down and pray they have a better day? May this be our goal throughout the 2020: to be imitators of Christ through love and grace in all things.

PRAYER

Lord,

We thank you for your grace and mercy. We thank you for sending your son to die for us, so all our sins could be washed away. We pray you give us the strength and compassion to share the same love and grace you have shown us with those we encounter each day.

Let us be a beacon of light exemplifying you. We pray during this new year that many more people will come into your family and experience your love and grace daily.

In his name we pray,

Amen.

Christian Jackson

Human Resources Coordinator

cjackson@crossings.church