Toes in the Sand

"Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

It is almost here. SUMMER. I rejoice in the longer days, weeping willows, playgrounds, swimming pools and most of all, toes in the sand! There is something so majestic, so magnificent about the pull of the ocean and the tingle of the sand between our toes.

I took our two young daughters to the beach last week, just for a day. While they loved the rides and boardwalk, they asked repeatedly if they could put those sweet pink toes in the sand. We were able to honor that request. And though the entire day was filled with memorable moments, the most memorable was the sound of my children's laughter as they drew in the sand and stood, wind blowing their hair back breathing in God's creation. The older child drew very clearly a Jesus fish in the sand. The younger dabbled closer to the water's edge and wrote her name in big bold letters in the pale landscape. I watched as the water lapped against her masterpiece, fading it with each small wave. And I prayed that her heart would never allow the tide of the world wipe away the truths that God has hidden in her precious heart. But, I also prayed that like the sand washed clean with the tide, that we would never take for granted how our own sin is wiped away by the grace and mercy of Jesus.

When we approach God with our sin, confessing, repenting, trusting His response, we wipe the sand clean. Miraculous,yes! Deep wounds threaten to shake our resolve, sin breaks our hearts, but an ocean of forgiveness awaits us.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

So, I challenge you today to get toes in the sand, toe to toe with the sea, ready to draw those transgressions on the sand, ready for the well of truth to wash over those transgressions. Accept the smooth sand God wants to provide, accept His perfect love and forgiveness. What a blessing to be toes in the sand!

nothing like a good soaking...

(my 6 precious grandchildren)

 What do you get when you take one filthy little child with sticky hands and dirty face and dunk them in a tub filled with soapy water? Miracle of miracles, you get a squeaky clean little one looking just like they did when they started their day fresh. They come out smelling so clean. They come out looking brand new! There is nothing like a good soaking to get rid of the dirt we accumulate during the course of our day. I can't help but think about this whenever I watch my daughters bathe their children. When I lift one of these precious grandchildren out of the tub they look quite different than when their mama  plopped their little body in there. They go in dirty and come out clean!

As Christians, this process is also a necessary part of our daily lives. As we go through our daily lives, we get a little sticky and dirty and get in desperate need of some cleansing. I am so thankful for the cleansing blood of our precious Lord. I am thankful that when I accumulate a little "dirt" in the process of my daily life, I can go to Him for a little dunking in some sudsy living water and come out squeaky clean. I can be washed as white as snow. A fresh start... a fresh feeling... ready for a fresh encounter.

Thank you, Lord for the cleansing power of your Word. Thank you, Lord that we can come to you and get rid of the filth we collect during the day. Thank you for sanctification through Jesus.

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22)