The Thirty-First Chance

"Oh baby girl.." I sigh as I lean over to pick up her teether for the umpteenth time. She's in this stage where she needs to be gnawing on something at all times. However, it seems her little hands seem to loose their grip so often on her prized possessions. I don't mind picking them up for her. Oftentimes as I return the toy to her slobbery little fist, I am greeted with a sweet toothless grin, and my heart just melts a little.

Yesterday, as this scene unfolded, I felt a little whisper in my soul. "Isn't it amazing how persistent she is? How many times has she had to rely on you to help her by picking that toy up today?" It was a reproof to me.

Jesus is always willing to help me pick up my "toys". He always smiles down on me as he gently wraps my hand around my "teether", yet, rarely is he met with a sweet smile like my baby gives me. Far to often, my immediate response to His help is to throw my "toy" back down in frustration.

Today, as I face a new chance, I am determined to thank Jesus for the second chances, third chances, and thirty-first chances he gives me. I want to greet his gentle promptings with a heart that is willing to persistently keep trying to live this life he has made for me.