Tuesday January 12, 2010
Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved, Ephesians 2:4-5.
Well, Ann and I have just finished our walk in the university here in Lethbridge. It’s convenient, only a few minutes drive away, and inside in the poor weather. The university is built into the side of a coulee, so there are plenty of stairs for exercise, and it takes us about half an hour for the return trip bottom to top. It provides at least the minimum exercise for folks of our vintage!
Ann likes the time to discuss the day’s events, but I am distracted by the floors. They are mostly exposed concrete with plenty of construction joints and shrinkage cracks. You probably know where I’m going! It’s almost as if I’m driven not to walk on the cracks—recall the expression: “step on a crack, break your mother’s back”? As my mother is no longer with us, her back is quite safe!
It’s a pity we’re not driven to avoid sin in the same way. I find it impossible to miss some cracks in the university floors, and it reminds me that our sinful nature raises it’s ugly head at times and distracts us from our desired course. That’s why today’s text is so comforting; it’s not our achievements that gain God’s approval, but his “great love” and “rich mercy” that ensures our relationship to him in spite of our failures.
I often feel the same about our writing—now a major vocation in retirement!—it always seems inadequate; always room for improvement. Yet we know that God uses the imperfect, both people and things, to accomplish his purposes and I’m sure you will agree that we are all glad that our imperfection does not deny us a share in that.
Despite our perceived inadequacy, our publisher has selected us to be spotlighted on their website at www.wordalivepress.ca/author_spotlight.html where you will find revelations about us, and our two books to date. Thanks to so many of you that have encouraged us and even bought our books! May you all experience God’s great love and rich mercy for 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment