Blessings or burdens

“That comment is going to cost you a block. Please go take one out of the happy jar and move it to the sad jar.” I tried my best to control my voice. Steady and patient, although that’s not how I felt at the moment.

“But Mom, I don’t want to lose a block!” She protested loudly, making sure I knew how she felt in return.

I understood. I didn’t want her to lose a block, either, but she needed to feel the consequence of her actions. The intention of the blocks is to serve as a reminder that all behaviors have consequences – either good or bad.   

“Well, you have the ability to gain more blocks in the happy jar. Tomorrow is a new day, so let’s work towards blocks in the happy jar tomorrow. I know you can do it!” Obediently, but reluctantly, she moved the block over. Sorrow covered her face, and I hugged her as a reminder that even when she puts blocks in the sad jar, I still love her.

Sin has consequences. Sin angers God. It offends His holiness. And each time we sin, we fill our hearts with shame, regret, hurt, pain… offenses of all sorts that can quickly multiply if we aren’t mindful, leaving us overwhelmed, guilty, hopeless, burdened, and wondering if we’ll ever get it right.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
    to those who search for him.
So it is good to wait quietly
    for salvation from the Lord.
And it is good for people to submit at an early age
    to the yoke of his discipline.” Lamentations 3:22-27

God still loves you, friend. Even if you have no blocks in your “happy jar,” He still loves you.

And in his faithfulness, He offers you salvation and the mercy of a new day.

So repent. Lay down all of the built-up burdens before the feet of our Savior and ask for help and forgiveness.

And then look forward to a new day. A fresh start. Another beginning. A blank page.

Our behavior doesn’t determine God’s love for us. His love is constant. But our choices reap consequences – burdens or blessings.

Let us choose to glorify God and experience great blessings in return.