Our little Haddon, at 2, knows how to resist correction...but also knows how to run to his father's arms, without delay. I was fascinated to see it the other day. Whereas the older boys resist, and pridefully hold on to their defensiveness until convinced otherwise, the littlest one of the family is much too fond of staying tucked in close to his mom and dad to run very far in his own self-sufficiency.
"I saw-wee," he says, and runs straight into Troy's loving arms after being corrected. "I forgive you, son. Baba loves you." And, almost immediately, Haddon is bouncing with giddiness, singing songs, and laughing through tears. He knows the relief of reconciliation.
It's so uncomplicated, unpromtped, and unquestioned for him. He doesn't tolerate a relationship chasm....why do we?
Why linger at a distance (in guilt, pride, or hurt) when Christ has stooped low with open arms and has whispered, "Draw near."
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
”
And not just near...but with sincere hearts and with full confidence: Because of what Christ has accomplished at the cross, not what we have failed in today.
So friend, enter this weekend with assurance and joy...run to his loving arms and let him remind you that you are declared loved and forgiven.
Nothing frees a broken heart like reconciliation.