Peeling Away the Layers

The strangest thing came to mind the other day while at the grocery store. I was standing there looking for the spotless banana. When out of the blue I hear, “You are not spotless nor are you perfect, so why are you looking for the perfect banana?”

I thought, “Well, ooookay.” And went on my way to the next isle.

Later that day, when it was time for my oldest son to get home from school, I stood at the front door and waited eagerly to see his bus round the corner. As I stood there it dawned on me that I had done the same thing just an hour earlier when my girl came home. I realized that this was foreign to me, not something I would usually do. I know that may sound bad, but it is the truth. On any other given day in weeks past they would find me down stairs probably watching TV when they got home from school.

I stood there thinking “My, how God is changing me!” That’s when I realized I had been waiting for them like this for a few days now and had just not paid any attention to the fact that I was doing it. I greeted them with hugs and said, “I am so glad you’re home!”

I have only recently really delved into God’s word and started asking him what he has planned for me. He is revealing himself to me day by day. He is listening to me and I am listening to him. In return he is answering a prayer I have had for some time now. He is giving me a gentle and quiet spirit.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead , it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV

I was brought back to the grocery store moment when I realized that from overripe, spotted, ugly bananas we make wonderful tasting banana bread!

No matter where you are in your life right now, God can transform you into something so beautiful –to use for his glory.

Thank God that he loves us just the way we are, but he longs for us to grow and mature in our relationship with him.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV

Lord, thank you so much for changing me and making me a more beautiful person on the inside. I am so thankful that you have chosen to be the potter, but even more than that I am so glad that I have chosen to be the clay. Lord, change me and mold me into something more beautiful than words. Peel away the ugly layers of my heart. I am listening . In Jesus’ name and all according to your will, Amen