If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9 NIV).

One day our seven-year-old son, Robbie, came home after spending several hours at a friend’s house.  He was dirty all over, but my biggest concern was the thick, black mud encrusted on his brilliant blue, almost-new tennis shoes.  The lovely white stripes were almost unrecognizable.

The next morning after the mud had dried, Robbie went to work on his shoes.  Many paper towels and toothpicks later (those soles with little ridges), he got the broom to sweep up the mess. Catching a glimpse of his shoes, I said gently, “Your shoes are still quite dirty.”

“I know,” Robbie said calmly, “but they’re good enough.”

Suddenly I saw myself in those much cleaner but still very muddy shoes.  I knew there were areas of my life where I had basically said, “There now, Lord, that’s good enough.”  I had been as unconcerned as Robbie about all the work that still needed to be done.

Although God in His mercy had not forced me to clean up all the “dirt” at once, I knew it was time to get back to work.

I’m ready, Lord, where do you want to start?

(The photos are random ones from the Internet except for the featured photo which was put together, thanks to my husband, from a photo I took and one from the Internet.)

(Devotional from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page.  Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Leanna’s Books, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445 or donaisy@neo.rr.com.)