Soaking It In

Both of our young children are battling horrible colds right now.  They are surprisingly resilient and maintain their cheery dispositions (for the most part).  However, last night my daughter was sounding very congested.  So we ran a hot shower and built up some steam, turn down the temp to warm and let her hang out in there for a bit.  It seemed to help. 

As I sat there, waiting for the mucus to clear *yuck* - I looked up at her and she had her arms raised, palms open and reaching up, tongue out and smiling face to the ceiling.  I couldn't help but smile.  She, like most kids, loves water.  Jumping in it. Swimming in it.  Dancing in it. It was like she wanted every single inch of her body exposed to the oncoming droplets.  So cute.

Then I started to think back to the last time I did that exact thing.  Every time it rains I love turning my face into the drops.  Eyes closed and sometimes...I even stick out my tongue when nobody's looking.  That's when I started to get a little introspective.  Yes, there sitting on that porcelain throne I started to get deep ( I've heard some really good thinking takes place in the washroom ;). 

I began to think about the last time I have just sat to soak in all that God is and has for me.  When was the last time I turned my face to heaven, reached up and stuck out my tongue to bask in all the goodness and grace my Saviour has to give.  No barriers of insecurity. No guilt or self condemnation. Not just putting in the time between the last thing I had to do and the next thing I am already trying not to think about while I am reading my Bible or praying.  The Creator of the universe is just waiting to fill me.

He fulfills every promise, He heals my deepest pain, He has held me while I beat my fists against His chest in anger, He has held me through the lowest valleys.  The One who truly knows who I am. With His perfect love, incomprehendable peace, ridiculous joy and endless grace He wants to fill me to overflowing.  He wants to bless me.  He wants to bless us.  HE LOVES TO BLESS US.    I want to soak Him in.  Open my heart up as wide as it will go - unhinge it.  Fill me up.  Let your presence drip off my hands onto the things I touch, off my lips in the things I say, let it run down my face so others can see the difference You can make in the lives of those You love and who love You.  Soak me!

Read Romans 4 today and a couple verses stuck out...

vs 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

Thank you God!

vs 7-8 Oh what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.  Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.

Soak in His grace and mercy and let the joy ensue.