A Three-Year-Old's Version of Grace

Today was a tough day for me.  To put it simply, I harbored a bad attitude most of the day.  I was distracted, half played with my boys, and didn't get a shower in until three this afternoon.  Have you ever had those days when nothing clicks?  When you know your thinking stinks, but you don't have the energy to switch mental gears?  I find those days make it difficult for me to feel God's presence.  All the negativity blocks out the beauty around me and my focus turns inward.

At the end of the day, I was sitting at the computer trying to figure out what to blog about and realized I had very little to say.  Since I had spent the day focused on all the aspects of my life that seemed bad, I failed to catch even the slightest glimpse of God. As I sat there wallowing (again!) over my computer, something happened.  My three year old came over to me and said:

"Mommy, put your computer down and come sit next to me. 
 I saved a spot just for you."  

I went over to him and sat.  We shared a few sweet moments and then it was time for him to go to bed. As I was walking him over to his room, I noticed that earlier in the evening, he had placed his shoes right next to mine.

It was in that moment when I caught a glimpse of God.  My sweet son only received pieces of me today.  I certainly did not earn any gold mom stars, by any means. But he still wanted me close.
                                                                      This is grace.

God saves a special spot for us.  It doesn't matter if we are having a bad day or if we have ignored Him for days.  He desires closeness.  He wants to make Himself known.  I am humbled yet again at God's redemptive work in my life.  The depth of grace healed yet another piece of my heart today.

Thank you Lord, for showing up and helping me see how much you desire a close relationship with me.  I am grateful for your forgiveness. I thank you for speaking grace through Matthew today.  Bless his little heart.  I pray he would one day experience the depth of you.  Fill the gaps I leave in the wake of my parenting.  May my words and actions toward my children always breath life into them.  Amen.