Move Forward
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.—Philippians 3:13 (NIV)
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.—2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 (NIV)
As Daddy’s 74th birthday neared, I knew he would not live to celebrate another year, so I wanted this birthday to be special. He had always loved his mother’s caramel icing, so I secretly called my aunt for the recipe. The perfect birthday surprise!
Cooking is not one of my talents, but how hard could it be? I gathered ingredients and followed directions: cook the brown sugar, corn syrup and milk to softball stage. So far, so good. I blended shortening with powdered sugar and a little milk. Finally, I poured the hot syrup over the shortening mixture and began beating. Instead of producing a creamy, spreadable consistency, my icing hardened like cement. In tears, I scraped the ruined confection into the trash. I was a failure. The surprise for Daddy was ruined.
Searching my pantry, I found a can of vanilla icing, which included a package of rainbow-colored sprinkles.
God can redeem our failures. I tried to create a special memory for Daddy that day, and guess what? Daddy loved it.
When his best friend called to wish him a happy birthday, I overheard him say, “Dave, I have the best birthday cake ever… the icing has sprinkles on top!”
Father, when I fail, you lift me up. As you shower me with grace, let me also show grace in all my interactions as a caregiver.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.—Philippians 3:13 (NIV)
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.—Genesis 1:21 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)