Have you ever looked at your child, or another's child or perhaps a friend and joked out loud, "You are a hot mess!" Sometimes not really joking? I have experienced a youngster who is described by adults I know "ONE HOT MESS!" Laughter always follows when this comment is made. Everyone seems to know this child and they join in on the chuckle. This child is a little, round, spunky, jolly, always into sum-thin little girl. She seems to always have her hands into or onto (other friends) something she isn't supposed to. She seems to always want to make the wrong choice and it always brings her an unpleasant result. At times, we don't understand what goes on in between those two ears.
Why does she keep doing the same things and getting unpleasant consequences like "time out" or walking at recess, or isolation at the "back table" when rest of classmates play? Teacher jokes, "She is ONE HOT MESS" and throws her hands up in an 'I give up' kinda gesture. I wonder how this little girl feels about it. I wonder what is going on inside her tender heart and soul.
Why does she keep doing the same things and getting unpleasant consequences like "time out" or walking at recess, or isolation at the "back table" when rest of classmates play? Teacher jokes, "She is ONE HOT MESS" and throws her hands up in an 'I give up' kinda gesture. I wonder how this little girl feels about it. I wonder what is going on inside her tender heart and soul.
I think this little girl and I have some things in common. I relate to her mess. I have jolly, spunky tendencies and I am always into "something". Many times in my life I choose the wrong path, and not just once. Others say "Shelli, why do you keep doing this same thing; why don't you get it?" I choose my own way and it is not the "prudent or wise" way. Other times my heart is in a messy condition. My thoughts and attitude rule me and rebellion and or bitterness tries to take root. I wonder if my "Teacher" shakes his head, throws up his hands and in a chuckle affectionally sees his daughter (me) as ONE HOT MESS.
I think he does see this hot mess, but he never throws up his hands in an 'I give up' gesture. He continues to lift me out of the pit and set me on firm ground. He patiently teaches me and shows me the wise ways. The difference in me and this little girl's situation (among many obvious ones), is that God doesn't isolate me at the back table, or put me in "time out" He is always near. I celebrate that His love is everlasting and He is patient with this Hot Mess in progress.
I think he does see this hot mess, but he never throws up his hands in an 'I give up' gesture. He continues to lift me out of the pit and set me on firm ground. He patiently teaches me and shows me the wise ways. The difference in me and this little girl's situation (among many obvious ones), is that God doesn't isolate me at the back table, or put me in "time out" He is always near. I celebrate that His love is everlasting and He is patient with this Hot Mess in progress.
Isaiah 54:7
But with great compassion I will gather you and with everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you says the Lord your Redeemer.
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