I had a great time knitting this sweater for Miko's first birthday (April 12th). Well, if I'm honest, there were some hiccups along the way. I admit there were moments of frustration when I needed to unravel parts of it to go back and fix spots that were messed up. And it definitely taught me a lesson in patience as I learned new knitting lingo and techniques through trial and error that I didn't know previously. But in the end I was so happy that I didn't give up. It felt great to see the finished product and to find out how much my sweet niece enjoys the lady bug buttons.
Reflecting on this project makes me think about life walking with God. Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you have made a hundred mistakes? Well, this week I had one of those days. When this happens the temptation I am faced with is to beat myself up over all the wrong things I have done. And the devil's hope is that I would stay in that place of self condemnation. But God says in His Word,
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1)We won't always get things right. We may fall from time to time. But God is right there to pick us up, brush us off and heal our wounds. In hard times I often don't see my circumstances from God's perspective. They can seem so big and overwhelming. But He always sees the big picture and will often use my circumstances to accomplish His good will for my life.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)When we give our lives to Him in full surrender, from that moment on, daily He takes delight in lovingly transforming us and molding us into what He created and desires for us to be. Sold out lovers for Jesus! As we surrender our pitfalls and mistakes at the foot of His cross He says, "You don't need to hold onto that anymore. It's already been paid for. You are forgiven." Period.
So I am learning day by day not to beat myself up for making mistakes. And to let go of anything I have done wrong in the past. Because He doesn't want me to hold onto those things. What He has for me is so much better. His plans for us are so much greater than we could ever hope for or imagine. The dreams we have are very small compared to the dreams He has for us. And in order for me to accomplish those dreams there's something important that needs to happen.
Jesus wants to renew the way I think about Him and the way I think about myself. He wants me to see myself the way He sees me. And that process started a long time ago, but it will continue from day to day until the day Jesus comes back for us, His Bride. Each day my mind is transformed more and I see myself the way He sees me.... I am His beautiful creation. I am His daughter who He loves beyond words. I am His friend who He can confide in. I am His and He is mine.
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3, emphasis added)
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2, emphasis added)
