Hunched over a plastic bowl, she carefully eyes mini chocolate chips as she eats. Finally, she has it all to herself; big brother has finished his portion. He soon joins her at the coffee table to read a story, possibly to her. He tweets and twitters, unaware of sister’s rising suspicion.
She presses her soft arms against the little orange bowl, inching her face ever closer to precious chocolate bits. She watches him from the corner of her eye. Suddenly, she collects a fist full of chocolate chips, jams them in her mouth, then grabs the bowl and runs across the room.
The bowl firmly planted on an empty chair, she glances back at her unperturbed brother, resumes hunching, and eats. From the kitchen I watch, filled with adoration as she greedily hovers over her precious treat. It feels as though my heart may burst from the affection that fills it.
Then I realize that God delights in me that way. I don’t judge my daughter for being selfish or greedy – not because it’s acceptable behavior, but because I understand that she doesn’t know better. When I sin or make a mistake, God isn’t scowling with folded arms, ready to give me what I deserve. He remembers that I don’t know better and delights in me anyway. He doesn’t condone my actions, but gives me grace. Thank You, my perfect, loving Father!
Memory Verse:
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
– Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Thank You, Lord, for Your grace. Thank You that You delight in me and rejoice over me with singing! What an amazing picture of You as my loving Father! Lord, I pray that as I receive Your grace, that it would overflow into the lives of others – that I would then extend Your grace to them as freely as I’ve received it….”
Contributing Writer:
Kimberly Dawn Rempel
Kimberly Dawn Rempel: Writer & Editor
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