Mother's Day was a big event at my house this weekend. My two girls started off with a special breakfast prepared for me Saturday morning, and a talent show while I ate. They choregraphed and orchestrated a singing/dancing number, then a comedy skit, and finished up with a ballad. They worked all week on pictures and cards and even a gift bag with homemade confetti in it. They did chores at their MeMe's house to earn money to go "shopping" in her magical Mary Poppins closet of goodies for me. Michael took them shopping Saturday night for more gifts and cards. Sunday morning I was overwhelmed with all of the sweet sentiments and thoughful presents they spent so much time constructing.
My heart was so touched. Each of them had one or two things they pointed out that they messed up on, but I didn't care. They tried their very best and each thing was filled with all the love their little hearts could hold.
I couldn't help thinking that this must be how God feels when we give Him things and do things lovingly with Him in mind. I'm always worried I didn't get it just right. I scrutinize my efforts and see every place where I "went outside the lines" or "cut the corners" too short. But God sees to my heart. No, it's not perfect, and it's no masterpiece hanging in a museum, but He never expected me to be perfect. He wants me. He wants the hand drawn, misspelled, glue oozing over the side, me. Sure, I would have loved anything the girls gave me that morning, but those little crafts they labored over were more special and meaningful than any Hallmark card they could have picked out.
Over the course of time, I suspect that my children's art will progress. There will come a time when my cards won't have small tears or accidental scriblle marks, and that's ok too. As we grow, we hone our skills and learn new things....as long as whatever they give me is a reflection of who they really are, then it will be my most cherished posession.
I think this is how it is with God too. He knows that as we grow in Him we will gain certain skills and some of the "flaws" will fade away the more mature we become. No matter what the outward appearance, God sees our heart, and He loves us unconditionally.
The next time I feel down on myself about my finished project, I'll remember Mother's Day and that I am, in fact, a work in process, and God loves me every step of the way.
