Remember breaking or losing something as a child? We just watched a television show where they repair and restore antiques. A woman had brought a mirror, an old family heirloom, that broke in her hands when she was about 10 years old.
She was a senior woman and had carried the shame for decades. The mirror was wrapped in a handkerchief for safe keeping. She hid it, protected it, and never confessed her "sin."
In the process of repair, they determined that the thin metal was destined to break due to age and design. She happened to be the one holding it at its demise. For more than 60 years she carried unnecessary shame and grief.
We all mess up. Our pastor often says, "More grace. More mercy." We all need it; we all need to be reminded to offer it, too. For the poor child with the broken mirror, her grandmother would have very likely observed the same thing the experts did. It was old and fragile, and unintentionally broken.
We have all heard the phrase "you can run, but you can't hide." It came to mind as I considered this verse for day seven of Lent.
"Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone." Psalm 32:5
Shame is such a heavy burden to bear. He already knows our sins and shortcomings. Why do we hide from the one who can see in the dark? There are no surprises when we lay our sins at his feet in confession, except perhaps the instant lightness in our souls.
Some things in this faith walk take time. The freedom found in forgiveness is not one of them. When His light pours into our darkness, our souls can dance and sing again.
Today, I am grateful for the freedom in forgiveness.
No comments:
Post a Comment