Under the Covers.

I love cuddling with my kids under the covers. There is just something cozy and safe and right about that precious time of tucking them in, talking about their day, feeling how they cuddle into me for security and nurturing, and reading some of their favorite books. Pulling the cool quilt over us and nestling into the comfortable bed. In this case, under the covers is a wonderful and safe place to be.

But, being "under the covers" is not always the preferred place to be. Let me expound. Pastor Rob Bell, in his popular video series, tells the story of his young son who, being caught having stolen a little white ball from a friend and lying about it to his parents, ran upstairs in shame and burrowed under the covers of his parents' bed. He stayed there for over two hours with his body and head entirely covered, resulting in profuse sweating and obvious discomfort. He was captured in his own shame. Rob goes on to describe how he reached over to peel back the covers, revealing the fresh air and light to his precious son. The boy's natural inclination was to run and hide and wallow in his own shame, but Rob, as his loving father, desired reconciliation and freedom and fresh air.

Isn't that what we all do? We take the darkest side of ourselves and hide it, suffocating in our own sin and suffering. We do something wrong and then hide in shame. I know that is my first natural inclination when I do wrong....to stuff it down, hide it, and pretend that nobody knows. But God knows. He knows the depth and breadth of our sin and our shame. And the amazing thing is......He still chooses to reach out, peel back the covers, and give us His light and fresh air. To nurture us back to Himself. To reconcile the relationship damaged by our own sin and selfishness. Bell drives home the following point: There is nothing, nothing, NOTHING that we can do that will cause God to love us any less than the very love that sent Him to the cross. Nothing.

I often need to be reminded to come into the light. Give it all to Jesus. ALL OF IT. Hold nothing back, no matter the cost. To live is Christ, but to die is gain. Let him pull me from my shame and work His full glory in my life. I need this reminder daily, and I am thankful that this message hit home once more today. What about you........don't forget to allow God to peel back the covers and give you His air and light and freedom. Tye following quote and verse drive this idea home for me today:

Be Real. When we stop hiding, when we take off our masks and expose ourselves, when we show what is truly inside of us with all of the 'ugly' details, when we show our blemishes and imperfections along with our good-----that is when we truly show the BEAUTY that God has brought us to. It is the dark places on our canvas that enhances and beautifies the whole picture, making a most glorious masterpiece.

"But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light." Ephesians 5:13