“Thanks. Squirrel holes. A few shingles off,” the text message read. Something within me began to bubble up. It rose to the top of my being and wrinkled across my face, bringing a smile to my lips. I kept repeating the phrase “a few singles off’ in my mind and giggled silently. I had reached out to inquire if there were any repairs we could help with when we went to visit someone near to our hearts yet far from our home.
Of course, my thoughts quickly began to wander through my years of walking on this earth. Soon I recalled many acquaintances I had known over time. Recalling different people and places, I began to ponder, ‘Just how many souls has my life crossed paths with that I might view as a few singles off?’ And how many may have thought the same of me?
The more I pondered the thought, the more I realized at some point in time, it is likely that everyone has been viewed by another in that manner. Yes, as we navigate each day, each new season of our lives, there are those times when we are at our best, seemingly performing at optimal level. Then there are those times when we just cannot seem to get it together, nothing seems to be working. In those moments we may feel like the bumbling Mr. McGoo, or awkward Urkel (you get the idea, right?).
Yet in all of those challenging times, whether we are at our best or at our worst, there is One who always accepts us, always loves us, and always draws us to Himself. His intent is not to judge us or criticize [Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1 NIV]. He does not point out our failures or remind us we are ‘performing’ less than our best. Instead, He lovingly draws us, reminding us that it was His love for us that led Him to accept death in our place. Consider this:
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:8-9 NIV
Ah yes, while we were sinners – a few shingles off, God still reached for us through His Son, Jesus. He does not want us to experience His wrath. He has made a way of escape for us, a way for us to be reconciled and be in a right place with Him. We can be right with Him. And that is what He desires. Can’t you just see Him now in the depth of your imagination as He works on the roof of your house (soul), replacing the missing shingles, bringing wholeness and restoring health? And His work continues as He patches the holes the squirrels made as they wreaked havoc throughout the structure of our lives.
Yes, as we allow the work of the Holy Spirit and the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to penetrate our hearts, minds and actions, He begins the work of much needed repairs. He replaces what is missing, performs a repair, even a remodel if necessary.
Just as I had reached out to inquire if there were any repairs we could help with when we went to visit someone near to our hearts, God reaches to us, inquiring if we will allow Him to work in our messes. Will we let Him? We don’t have to continue through our lives a few shingles off.
What better way to start the New Year than to make things right with our Creator?
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 NIV
Many blessings,
Tanja
Reflective Resource: The resource below is suggested for your growth and encouragement.
Light in the Darkness is a six-week daily devotional written for the hungry, yet hurried Christ follower. Each daily reading includes Scripture, thoughts and reflective question(s) intentionally designed for quick reading so that the greatest time can be spent considering personal application. This study focuses on the teaching of Jesus as shared in Matthew 5, including HIs words of the Beatitudes, salt, light, fulfillment of the law, and so much more.
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