When my youngest was quite young, we had found my husband a special birthday gift. We had found it at an antique store and he was eager to surprise my husband with it. The gift was a pack of old collectible NASCAR racing cars. They were still in their box and the box was in great condition.

As expected, on his birthday he very happily received his gift. It was one in which he planned on collecting. Our youngest, however, had different plans. He had quietly gone and grabbed the cars in the other room and excitedly opened them. He then innocently stated that, he couldn’t wait to play cars with my husband. In his innocence, that’s what he assumed the intention was.

This was a teachable moment for all of us. My husband knew that our sons’ intentions were pure. He could either scold him for taking it upon himself to opening them. Or, he could make the most of it. So, when I had walked into the situation, I found my husband and our son on the floor playing race cars.

We did have a talk with our son on the importance of asking first, but my husband also decided to teach our son grace; and to also make the most of it. Our son was sorry he did not ask and learned to for the future.

Friend, this is a reminder for me too. Sometimes I make mistakes and when I don’t go to God as my guide; I find myself not doing what I should be doing. How blessed are we to receive God’s grace when we genuinely ask for forgiveness. Also, how wonderful it is when He helps us find good through our mistakes.

Though those cars will not be worth much now outside of their box; we received something far more valuable through the experience. We were reminded of God’s grace and to grow and make the most of the experience.

The racing matchbox cars lay in a small box and I will always remember the memory of the lessons of the small scattered Nascar Race Cars.

Erin Fitts-Brower 

Psalms 86:15 NIV

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.