Sam

John 6:22-8:30

“Neither do I condemn you; go, and sin no more.” John 8:11

My daughter Anna is amazingly attached to her stuffed animals; particularly her stuffed cats. In fact, she has one that she got on a trip to the Children’s Museum when she was one that has been a constant companion ever since. It used to meow even, but that ability has long been worn out over the five years she has possessed this cat. To see “Sam” now you can read every single hug and snuggle she’s ever received from between the little lines of her well worn fur. This cat has been LOVED.

Sunday morning Anna asked me if she could bring Sam to church with her. Since she has an hour to hang out while I’m warming up with the praise band, I usually let her take a toy to church to entertain her during that time.

After we had warmed up I went out into the hallway to get Anna from the nursery where she plays until church starts. In the hallway a few of the church ladies commented on Anna’s beloved Sam and how well loved she is. I joked, “Yeah, it wouldn’t surprise me if she took Sam to college with her.” A few minutes later, Anna and I were sitting in the sanctuary and with seconds left before I stepped up onto the stage Anna leaned over and asked, “Am I going to college today mommy?”

During worship I was really pressing in. Like I said yesterday, I’ve been “off” lately and it was making me very hungry for more of God. And what better time to press in and really push to touch God than during praise and worship? Well, God doesn’t disappoint those who earnestly seek Him. Towards the end of worship He gave me a new picture of an old Truth.

Some of you have been around long enough to remember the lesson God taught me in The Pink Polka Dot Kitty, but many of you are new. This one’s for you. J

God showed me a picture of Anna snuggling Sam close to her cheek, her eyes closed in love for her Sam, and then a hand came and snatched Sam away from her. And God said to me, “How could you ever think I would take My forgiveness away from you? You wouldn’t dream of taking Sam away from Anna just like I wouldn’t dream of taking My forgiveness away from you. Especially when you’ve done something you shouldn’t have!”

“Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20