It’s 11:02pm on Monday night, which means I have exactly 58 minutes (57 now) to post a devotion for Day 11 before it becomes Day 12! I’ve now spent all evening doing homework that was due by midnight (choosing to complete that first because y’all are much more grace-filled and aren’t grading me…..wait….you’re not, right?!) And all that to say….forget having my ducks in a row….I can’t even find ’em! =) 
Every once in a while – actually more often than I’d like to admit – this very squared away version of myself rises up and shakes her perfectly manicured finger at my hastily submitted papers and piles of textbooks with protruding color-coded sticky notes (what was the orange supposed to mean?) and the yoga pants I haven’t changed since 5:30 this morning and I feel like one of those little ducks….looking for my buddies in a row somewhere.
Why do we do that? (See how I brought you into this with me?) Why are we so hard on ourselves for the small, ordinary glitches in life when we are on the daily accomplishing amazing things in this world? And by amazing I mean….taking a deep breath and smiling at the barista who is way toooo chatty in the morning before she’s handed me my Venti Americano, and gently changing the diaper that was just changed two seconds ago, and holding the hand of a friend that should have known better than to trust that person, but you don’t say that….you’re just present with her. These are the things that matter. The small things we do to impact the world out of love for God and for one another are the stuff of enormous impact when offered to God. And the amazing thing is….he doesn’t need us for any of it….but he chooses to not only be in relationship with us, but to allow us to work alongside Him in these everyday small ways that end up being transformative in the grand scheme of the Kingdom of God.
OK, I feel better now….and not just because it’s looking like by some miracle this may actually be Day 11 on Day 11!….but because a fresh wind of grace has blown through my dining room, leaving me so grateful and content to know beyond a doubt whose I am. And it’s not just grace for me….it’s for all of us. So, for those who may be feeling a little frazzled, a little inadequate, a little uncertain of the days ahead….take a moment with me, right here, right now, close your eyes, and feel the breeze of grace….of forgiveness….of hope….of whatever it is your heart is longing for from God. I promise it’s more important than meeting a midnight deadline.
Bless you, sweet friends,
(And if you happen to find my ducks….please redirect them to my place!)
Love, Shellie ♥
Your Love Is Strong
Cory Asbury
Strong enough to calm the storms
Of fear and unbelief
Fierce enough to break the cords
Of death that clung to me
‘Cause I have come to know a love
Whose power has overcome
Every insecurity
And Heaven moves and demons flee now
As I lift my voice to sing
Oh, Your love is strong
Oh, Your love is strong
Oh, Your love is strong, yea
Oh, Your love is strong, yeah
Close enough to hold me near
When fear is crippling
Safe enough to be my home
When my world is crumbling
‘Cause I have come to know a love
Stronger than the grave
That in my darkest hours
You raised me up from death to life now
In resurrection power
Oh, Your love is strong
And oh, Your love is strong, yes it is
And oh, Your love is strong, yeah
Oh, Your love is strong
And oh, Your love is strong, strong strong strong
And oh, Your love is strong, yes it is, yes it is
And oh, Your love is strong, yeah
Oh, Your love is strong
And Your love, it vanquished all my enemies
It broke the cage that silenced me
And set this songbird free
I sing, for all the love You’ve given me
Rejoice because You’ve chosen me
And called this orphan home
Oh, Your love is strong
And oh, Your love is strong, yes it is
Oh, Your love is strong
And oh, Your love is strong
And oh, Your love is strong, strong strong strong
Oh, Your love is strong
And oh, Your love is strong
And oh, Your love is strong
Your Love Is Strong lyrics © Bethel Music Publishing
