In the other room we heard our youngest shout for help. We did not know what was going on, but we quickly ran into his room. Our son had spilled a puddle of orange juice on his bed. The orange juice had seeped through onto his mattress, at least to some degree. Normally the cups he brings into his room, have lids and he seldom spills and if so, not much gets out. Not tonight though, tonight it was orange juice decorating his bed. We all quickly jumped into action to try and make the best of the situation. We did not yell at him and ask why he wasn’t more careful. Once my youngest and I cleaned up the mess, my husband started to immediately lay fresh sheets and a blanket down for him. The problem was cleaned up rather quickly and our son was very appreciative and relieved. He made sure to tell us thank you for helping him clean it up. He will be using different cups in the future, lesson learned.

   Friend, we all make mistakes and messes sometimes. It was not intentional for our son to spill and he clearly felt sorry that it had happened. He also asked for help and did work at cleaning up the mess. I know I have made some spills in my life. During those times I knew I had made things messy. I did not need criticism, I needed help. I had felt bad enough and what I needed was someone to walk beside me and help me clean it up. We as humans can be critical at times; forgetting we too sometimes make mistakes. May we offer each other grace and help one another. For we too have shouted for help when we’ve made things messy. Does God not forgive us when we make mistakes and are sorry? Does He not come to our aide to help us clean things up? May we be quick to offer a loving hand instead of a harsh word. May we help others, just as we too at times have needed help.

   There may end up being a stain on his bed. Though, I would rather there be a stain on his bed, than a scar on his heart from anger; where grace could be. We’ve all created messes, but through those are opportunities to turn a mess into a lesson and a mistake into a teachable moment of grace.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.