God Loves Me…Messy and All

My daughter does not like to clean her room. She never has. In fact, unlike me, she seems to like clothes on the floor and stuff everywhere.

Years ago when she was younger, I once again brought up the fact that her room was out of hand, and she needed to spend time cleaning it up. She wasn’t happy. The more we talked (I explained, she debated) the more upset she got, until finally she burst into tears, and cried, “God made me this way, and you should love me messy!”

I assured her of how much I loved her, messy or not…but her room still needed work.

Isn’t that how we are sometimes with God—worried about how “messy” we are and if He can love us that way?

His Word assures us that He does love us! In fact, He loves us so much…He doesn’t want to leave us where we are. He wants to lead us out of our sinful ways and messy lives.

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? (Romans 2:4 NLT)

God loves us, messy and all…but our lives still need work.

God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change. (Romans 2:4 The Message)

My daughter never wants to clean her room, but there are times I have to make her. It’s one of those life lessons I want her to learn, so I’ll often work with her on it.

Just as she’s encouraged when we start to make progress, I’m encouraged when I see the changes God is moving me toward in my life. At first, the process isn’t comfortable, but as the changes feel more natural, I think less of returning to my old ways.

You might be wondering what happened with my daughter’s messy room…she still likes it that way. I’ve gotten better with not letting it drive me nuts, and she keeps a somewhat clear path so I can walk around without tripping.*

*Permission was requested and received before posting this story. {smile}