Shopping

Proverbs 31:30 – Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (NIV)

In my youth the world finished at the end of my nose. The impact of love, healing and time have taken their toll and so rounded the edges. At least the edges have become rounded anyway.

My wife and I are a team, and I rely on her more so when I am tired. Today was such a day. I had a list of things to do, written down so that I would not forget them. Yet I had forgotten all about the list. As I shopped, the generally all-round nice guy that I know to be me had steadily dripped out of a hole I must have somewhere in my foot. Oblivious to my peril, he was not anywhere to be found when I needed him.

By the time I met up with my wife, I was finished. In the car, groceries were mentioned, along with the list that was still safe in my work-bag, unused. The absence of groceries necessary to cook for guests due to come over tomorrow was on the menu, and so was I. We needed to go back in again to buy what I had forgotten. "Not me!" a boy's voice spoke from my mouth.

We went home with a thick atmosphere, despite the bright sunshine outside the car. My wife went off to finish the job I had failed to do. After some food and rest, the nicer Rod mused.

The choice was simple: either stay on the Judas road to self-destruction, or admit my obvious failure and, like Peter, repent and allow Jesus in to help.

Like a boil in my skin, I prodded it for a while. I knew my offence needed lancing and so I apologized for not being more reasonable. We made up. I love my wife.

James 3:17-18 – But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (NIV)

Prayer: Lord, impart to us the grace to be able to forgive each other our failings. Help us to be humble and so to admit, with good grace, when we have been wrong. Remind us of your grace, given for us at such a cost to break the power of evil, so that your cleansing love might once more bring life. Thank you, Lord, that you are not without compassion. Teach us your way so we can follow you each day. Amen.

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