The other day, my girl and I drove to school in gray chill. My heart, too, felt the grip of cold.

I turned up Pandora–choosing Hillsong worship, hoping the music would thaw my sullen spirit. I grappled with a grumbling attitude–pointed out several of Allie’s mistakes from earlier that morning. Minor misdemeanors–leaving the wet towel on the carpet, having to be reminded to brush her teeth, failing to bring breakfast dishes to the sink.

Beside me in the van, Allie, despite my griping, seemed cheerful, and I felt a flutter. Not so much condemnation but a check in my heart–that gentle whisper that leads to conviction, which, if allowed, leads to repentance, which in turn drives one to freedom through confession.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “Today feels hard. I don’t like to start our day this way.”

My daughter looked at me, her eyes soft. “Me too.” She sort of smiled. “Sometimes I just forget.”

It was my turn. “Me too.”

And it’s true. I so quickly forget.

Forget that–

~God’s mercies are new every morning.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for His compassions never fail.

His mercies are new every morning;
    great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

~No matter what I may see or hear in the world around me, God is still in control. He speaks peace to my anxious heart when I choose to lay my burdens at His feet and count my blessings.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

~Though in this life we will experience trouble, God has overcome the world. 

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

~There is no fear in true love.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear (I John 4:18a).

~Even though the world seems dark, in Jesus, we have life. In His light, we see light.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light (Psalm 36:9).

*******

I dropped Allie at school with a kiss. “I love you.”

“Love you too,” she said through her mask.  The words were clear, and her eyes smiled.

As I neared home, I rounded a bend in the road. Sunshine pierced through the covering of gray, and I squinted at the sudden bolt of bright.

And as if God had chosen the song especially for me, Steffany Gretzinger’s voice filled the space inside my vehicle, and I smiled.

Open up, let the light in.

Open up, let the light in.

Open up, let the light in.

And my heart cracked open. His light filled my soul, and its warmth brought peace.

Dear LIGHT of the world,

Despite the darkness I see around me…

Despite the darkness I sometimes feel within…

Help me keep my eyes on You, completely trusting in You.

Thank you for Your sweet Spirit who speaks to our hearts, many times in whispers.

His voice leads to conviction…

Which leads to repentance…

Which, through confession, leads to freedom.

And no matter what goes on in the world, we are free indeed!

Amen.