Yesterday I once again found myself at the Torres house for a wonderful meal and many laughs. As I was parking I saw their bows outside and it looked as though one of them was peeing, as most young boys tend to do when their mom's aren't looking. So, I asked when I was walking up, "Were you peeing just a minute ago?" His response, "no, I was just pretending." I affirmed his response and then went in for a good meal.
About thirty minutes into my visit the boy came into the living and said four times very fast, "I made a mistake, I'm sorry for my mistake." I asked what he meant. He then recalled our conversation outside earlier. I then said, "You mean you are sorry for your lie." Yes, I am sorry that I lied." Needless to say I forgave him. Admired by his courage I told him at dinner how proud I was that he confessed and told me the truth. The eight year old's response to me, "Jesus gave me the faith."
I am learning so much. In this season of lent we are forced to confess regularly. As my body yearns for sweets, I remember how absolutely week I am to the powers of processed sugars. As my day fills so fast and I have but one eye open to journal, read, and pray, I am reminded that I am a slave to my society more than I should be. Yet, in each of the moments that I have had to confess my shortcomings and my vices, I do feel like it is Jesus who gives me the faith each time I to confess. Yet, also, each time I fall and confess I am given the faith to trust in my God who continually has blessed me and filled my spirit this lent.
Maybe through confession we are reminded we are not so spectacular, but really only a sinner, saved by grace. A sinner, one who can not do it alone, one that cannot be separated from God. May your confessions be many this lent and may each draw you closer to the heart and abundant grace of God!
