No Guilt in Life

Today I felt guilty for sleeping in. I felt guilty for getting a late start on our school work. I felt guilty for letting the kids watch a video. I felt guilty for spending time on facebook when there was a pile of dishes in the sink. I felt guilty for letting the paperwork stack up on my desk. I felt guilty for having children who raise their voices at each other. I felt guilty for getting behind on the laundry. I felt guilty for not exercising.

And today the Lord said, "I love you."

He said it in the precious words that a friend sent my way. He said it in the chirps of a mama bird who has built a nest on our front porch. He said it in an email from my mom in Slovenia. He said it in Bethie's giggles as we wildly raced through a math drill. He said it in Avery's belly laughter at the dinner table. He said it in the piano duet I played with Drew. He said it in Aidan's inimitable voice who asked, "Are you just makin' stuff up?" as I prayed with him tonight. He said it in my husband's kiss.

And He said it in my heart, from His word, loud and clear, just when I needed it:

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

I breathed deeply, appreciatively. I know that this is the truth, this is who I am. I also know that what Anne Shirley says is true: Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it. But even when I hit tomorrow's first mistake, I will know that I am loved, forgiven and free.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Stuart Townend