Maggie and I have decided to start Bible journaling. Here is a cool link to see what it entails. http://m.lifeway.com/n/Type/Journaling-Bible

  (Picture from Pinterest)

There is a wide variety of journaling Bibles and supplies that make the experience unique to each person. I am excited to spend time with Maggie, as we do our devotionals and dig into God’s word together. 

While we were in the Bible bookstore, we waited for a while to have our Bibles mongrammed. Maggie picked a lovely blue, and I chose silver. We leafed through several devotionals, struck up a conversation with a nice man, who had just given his heart to Christ, and we put together a plan for how we will journal each evening. It was time well-spent with my girl. 

After about 45 minutes, the employee came to us with our Bibles, and she apologized for my name not being evenly done on the cover. It was done on an incline, and the imperfection was obvious. Admittedly, after spending money for my Bible, I was disappointed. I didn’t say anything, as I looked at the blunder, but the employee said, “I am so sorry. Let me check to see if we have another Bible like this one, and I will do it again.”  The thought of  a Bible being put to waste because of a cosmetic flaw didn’t sit right with me. I said to her, “No. No. That is fine. Don’t worry about it. It is just a name. You can refund the $6.50 for the engraving, and I will take this Bible.”

She was so sweet, and she made her way to the register, leaving Maggie and me to collect our things. Maggie was quiet, and I asked her what she was thinking about. She replied with, “That was a nice thing to say to that lady, Mama. It doesn’t really matter what is on the outside, anyway. It’s what is on the inside that matters.” 

I will never forget the way my half-grown chid sounded in that instant. I will never, ever forget the expression on her face and the tilt of her head. She reminded me of one of the most important lessons in life, right there in that little store. Just as my name appeared flawed and off-kilter, my imperfect self is,too. I am full of blemishes. But, inside the pages of His book is a flawless message of love, life, and abundant peace- no imperfections, no misprints, no guessing. I have always loved the Psalm: Create in me a clean heart, Oh Lord, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10). And, He will create in me a clean heart each day, if I only ask. My insides are made new. 

Thank you, Maggie, for showing me Christ’s forgiveness and love. For reminding me that he can turn my imperfections to work for His glory.