Even after 3 months of living here, I am still obsessed with my new home! The original hardwood floors and black countertops are a breathtaking combination. However, I wish the previous owners would have warned me about the lethal kitchen sink.
A few days after we closed on the house, I found myself standing at the kitchen sink washing the new dishes we received at my bridal shower. I strategically planned how I was going to organize the cupboards and where each plate, bowl, cup or spoon would be stored.
We were given gray colored bowls from my mom's sister and her daughter, Jenna. I tore open the box and carefully tipped the box upside down. Unfortunately, they slid out of the box faster than I could have expected and one of the bowls chipped as it hit the bottom of our ceramic sink. I was devastated. This bowl was brand new and never had the chance to hold warm soup or a late night ice cream treat. I was nervous about what Dylan was going to say or what my family would think if they found out. I felt so guilty for destroying a nice thing I had just received as a gift! This one bowl caused quite a bit of interior turmoil.
The perfectionist side of me was ready to throw it away and buy a new one. I knew if I purchased a new bowl, life would go on and nobody would know what I had done. I would be able to cover up the embarrassment and act like nothing happened. But I did not throw it away. To this day, the flawed bowl is sitting in the cupboard with the other seven bowls. Accidentally chipping the bowl was a minor mishap that became a reminder of how merciful our God really is.
Could you imagine what our world would be like if God, our Heavenly Father, had the same narrow mindset I displayed that day? Each one of us would be functioning from a place of fear knowing that a single mistake would lead to replacement, or worse, elimination.
Thankfully, we have a God that operates from a place of love. He understands that we make mistakes. He understands that by giving us a free will there is a risk of experiencing rejection, sin, and fault. The small chips and scuffs found on our soul are an invitation for Him to draw us closer, not throw us away. His perfect and merciful love has the power to drive out all of our fears!
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
-1 John 4:18
When I see the impaired bowl, I am reminded to spend time praying about my insecurities or frustrations. Have you ever spent time reflecting on the areas of your heart that are driven by fear? Take those places to prayer or better yet, go to confession and allow the Lord to wipe you clean and repair the ‘knicks’ found in your soul.
Until next time~Your sister in Christ,
Abby
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