Anything We Touch
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
Insight
For as long as I can remember, my youngest daughter Paige has been into crafts. She loves to cut, color, and create. Everything in her mind is an art project. So much so, that I probably should buy stock in Hobby Lobby now. Scattered throughout her art studio (aka her bedroom) are bits and pieces of construction paper, yarn, half-used pencils, beads, and countless other stuff. Paint splotches are scattered throughout the carpet.
Fingerprints of her creativity mark her room, especially the glitter. Oh lord, that sparkly stuff is everywhere. Amid one of her projects, she grabbed a bottle of glitter and started shaking to her heart's content. Unfortunately, the top wasn't entirely on, causing a nuclear glitter bomb to explode. A coat of reflective rainbow particles covered everything in sight.
No matter how much we've vacuumed, scrubbed, or attempted to wipe it away, remnants of that glitter remain to this day. Nothing can separate her room from the colorful bits of plastic. They've forever become part of the decor.
When I think of the invasiveness of Christ's love, I picture it as a glitter bomb. His love impacts everything about us. Once we accept this unconditional gift, it spreads through our mistakes, wrongdoings, and struggles by reaching those dark places of our hearts. It touches our shame, our guilt, and our worries. It becomes a part of us.
An encounter with His love brings color and beauty to a drab world of futility and frustration. A shimmer of hope remains regardless of the circumstances we might face.
We find ourselves covered in His love. Much like glitter, we can't get it off us. Nothing will whisk it away or make it disappear. Not the trouble we face. Not our poor choices. Not the doubt we try to overcome. Not the inadequacies we feel.
Even when we might not notice it, His love is there sparkling in the background. And wherever we go, we leave specks of that glitter behind. Anything we touch gets a little sprinkle of grace and love.
Reflection
Where do you need to be reminded that nothing can separate you from Christ's love?
Prayer
God, I rest in the reality that Your love shapes and defines me at my core. I am loved beyond my comprehension. I want an encounter with this love to influence everything I say and do. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
