Morning Sun

The nurses found Mom K's lost knitting! We brought her a bag to keep it in that attaches to her wheelchair so it won't be misplaced again. She was very pleased, and not only with her knitting. She showed off her new lovely pink nails. One aide had sat with her for an hour and polished Mom K's nails. We are blessed by caring and loving aides and nurses at the Home. How tender and kind to sit with an elderly woman and know that doing her nails might be a very special treat!

I read a passage in Exodus that I had never thought much about. However, this time, I paused as I read it. Why was it written with that particular detail?

Exodus 20:26 (NIV)
And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed.

What a strange verse alongside the incomparable Ten Commandments. Why is it there? Perhaps it really should be taken at face value, literally God just doesn't want us exposing ourselves. However, I think there may be more to it. If we go up steps, we elevate ourselves, and we open ourselves to scrutiny. Can any one of us withstand others seeing "our private parts", and by that I mean all our thoughts and actions we usually keep hidden? None of us are pure, none of us without fault. None of us could stand before the world fully exposed and be guiltless. And our hypocrisy hurts our witness before others, particularly those who don't understand, and think Christians feel they are better than anyone else. We are not. We are all fallen. But those who trust in Jesus believe they are forgiven, and have a hope they desperately yearn to share with others. Better then to approach God in humility. Let Him lift you up.

Yesterday, after my rant about how upset I was that the nurses or aides had lost Mom K's knitting, a friend posted a blurb on Facebook about nurses. The post was about how thankless a job it often was, how hard they work to care for our loved ones through very difficult times, how overburdened they are with the needs that are often overwhelming. The post snapped me back to looking at the world through a different lens, though others' eyes. And I was strongly convicted that not only should I not be angry with the aides, I should buy them a gift!

Writing regularly for the public is akin to going up the altar on steps. I am continually exposing myself. Some of what is revealed is not very complimentary. The miracle of God is that He convicts our hearts, but does not condemn. His mercy and grace is new every morning. As surely as the sun washes over a new world each day, His cleansing Spirit washes over regenerated hearts. What a blessing.

Psalm 25:6-7 (NIV)
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. [7] Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.



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