Corduroy

I had the privilege of spending New Years Eve with one of my most favorite people in the world: 

Miss Lily Claire. 

She didn't quite make it to the New Year because her bed time came around 8 pm, but we had a ball nonetheless. 

I have learned a lot from this precious girl in her short 3 years of life. 

The concept of childlike faith has really taken on an all new meaning because of her. 

As bedtime rolled around this evening, one of my favorite childhood storybooks was on tab for tonight:

Corduroy. 

It's a must read...really : )

Odd as it may seem, while reading this book about a Teddy Bear who misplaces a button on his Overalls, I was reminded of a portion of the redemption process. 

At the end of the book, Teddy Bear Corduroy is finally purchased and given a home despite his flaw of a missing button. 

His new loving owner, sits him down gently on her lap and says,

"I like you just the way you are,

but you will be more comfortable 

with your shoulder strap fastened,"

and proceeds to sew a brand new button on Corduroy's Overalls.

This may seem overly simplistic,

but this story reminded me a lot of what Christ has done for each of us. 

We were all once orphans, longing for a home, characterized by many flaws,

just like Corduroy the bear. 

And we too had a loving owner come along and choose to overlook our flaws and take us in.

I believe Christ is saying,

"I love you just the way that you are,

but you will be more comfortable like this..."

and so He begins to transform us bit by bit.

I don't believe that means the transformation process is comfortable.

In fact, I believe we can often expect this process to be seemingly unbearable, 

but when we remember Who is renovating us,

we can trust that His ways are higher.

As 2012 quickly approaches and I reflect on the season of life that I have found myself in,

I believe Christ is reminding me that He has given me a home, adopted me into His family,

loves me just as am, and is therefore changing me day by day.

Don't miss the process, don't fear the pain,

be still and let the power of God transform you,

in the coming year and all of the rest.