{Day 30} Interrupted by 'God Loves You' (And Give Away Results!)

You're dying to know who won the goodie bag, aren't you?  If I were you, I'd scroll to the bottom to find out and then read today's story.  But, I'm sure you have more self control than I do.  :)

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Today as I drove our little trio to homeschool co-op I was thinking about all of the options we have in this life, particularly thinking about curriculum choices for homeschoolers and how overwhelming it all can be: wanting to do well by your children, not wanting to be judged for your choices, having too many good options, etc.  (I just placed an order yesterday to take advantage of some sales, so it's on my mind!)  I was also reflecting on my insecurities as I observe others who seem to have it all together - imagining, falsely, that their little world is always roses and sunshine - when I glanced over at a run-down, weary looking house across the road.  There in the second story window, which was almost at eye-level because the house entry sits below street-level, was a picture of a cross and a homemade sign that read, GOD LOVES YOU.

In that split second, rounding the curve, I was interrupted by grace.

What a comfort to be reminded, by a sign I've never noticed in a house I've passed twice every Tuesday for the last two academic years, that God loves me.  Normally, to be embarrassingly honest, I find signs and bumper stickers like that to be cheesy.  Imagine God using such a thing to interrupt me today!  Classic move on His part, to challenge my judgments while reminding me of His love.

Short reflection on that reminded me that it is security in God's love that frees us to love others, to let go of idols, to confess our sins, and to set aside our doubts and fears.  It is His love, extended to us by grace, that frees and transforms us.

That's cool.  And amazing.

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Now, on to the moment you've all been waiting for (or that you jumped ahead for)!

Drum roll please!!

This month's winner is

Congratulations!

Thanks to all of you who threw your names into the running.

I hope to have another sometime later this year.

And so this April's interrupted by grace series comes to a close.  I pray God has used my reflections to draw you closer to Himself and to remind you that He is at work in and around you every day.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13