Asher is really into making cakes these days because not long ago, I had to make a couple of cakes for Leon and a friend who were celebrating their birthdays. To keep Asher busy while I was baking, I put some water or flour in a bowl on the floor and let him make his own “cake.” On one particular occasion, I left the kitchen to feed Eva Joy. Playing with flour in a bowl stayed pretty clean, until I left the room. As expected, I returned to find flour all over the floor. But what fun it was! I wasn’t bothered that he’d made a mess, and it was also great fun cleaning it up!
I don’t want Asher to be afraid of making a mess when he’s playing. I also don’t want him to be afraid of making a mess (or mistakes) in life either. It’s hard to allow Asher to make a mess because my inner perfectionist comes out.
God allows us to make messes, too. He’s also there to help us clean up our messes when we ask him. Sometimes I hold back on taking a risk in life because I’m afraid of making a mess. But knowing that God is there to help clean up is a comfort.
And me? I’m a mess. I’m nothing and have nothing:
make something of me.
You can do it; you’ve got what it takes—
but God, don’t put it off. Psalm 40:17, The Message
