For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:32-33 NIV

I am actually surprised that TJ MAXX still allows me in their store. I have broken something of theirs twice in the last two months! Both times, I was in the checkout line and reached for something and ended up knocking something off their way-too-crowded shelf. It was just as embarrassing both times! People look at you like…”I am glad that’s not me,” but actually say nothing, nor do they offer to help me. I made the mess, so I get it!

As a child, my Dad used to call me “sticky fingers, because I picked up everything in the store to look at it.” He would warn me, “Your hands are gonna get you in trouble some day. Don’t pick everything up. You might break something.” I guess he was right! (Many times, he threatened to make me wear mittens in a store.)

To my credit, I never broke anything in a store until this year, lol. However, lately breaking a frame and a glass vase impacted my thinking about breakable things and how to handle them. We are not meant to have everything we see, nor are we meant to have everything we want. We are meant to have everything we need.

Spiritually speaking, Jesus is all we need. Though we may aggressively reach for things we want, it is better that we wait on the Lord to give us what He thinks best.

Sometimes I think my heart, our hearts, have “sticky fingers.” We may have strong desires for things that are not meant to be ours, like fame or popularity or material goods. These things look fun and wonderful when we see someone else having them, but they are not meant for everyone. Plus, these things are fragile and easily breakable.

God has a plan that may or may not include pleasant things. I was thinking that I should start reaching more for Him than anything else. He is our life coach, spiritual health coach, our life’s planner. Reaching for Him is the best way to use our hands!

Sidenote…I was reminded by my daughters that grace for others is a worthy thing to seek. Every day, we need new grace for the day. Just one dose won’t be enough. As God gives us grace to cover our imperfections, may we daily ask for grace to love others better. It is not all about us. It is about them, the people God puts in our reach.

May we never ever stop reaching to others, when they, like me, make a mess of things. May we give them grace and just love them regardless.

Have a great day and weekend! With love from the Father to you,

Tina