Don't Get Wet!

Memory Monday

This morning my mind was flooded with the memory of sitting on a wooden bridge with my brother Chuck.

Earlier that crisp autumn day we had decided that it would be fun to go down to the creek and sit on the bridge. We rushed into the presence of our mom to ask if it would be okay to do so. Her exact words were, "Don't get wet!" Off we ran brimming with giggling excitement. After trekking through the overgrown path to the bridge we decided to walk along the creek's bank to collect some rocks. We needed an arsenal to throw into the water. What happened next is pivotal to the story. I slipped and did what my mother asked me not to do, yes, I was all wet! Slush, slush, slush was the sound of my shoes as I climbed up to the bridge. "Mom is going to be so mad at me", I whimpered! 

In a few minutes we were dangling our feet over the water and throwing rocks into the water. That's when It happened!  The idea to rectify my situation was so simple. "Chucky, mom won't know that I got wet if I tell her that my shoes fell off into the water" I exclaimed proudly! 

It is true, I threw my new shoes into the water and watched them float away! 

There was more evidence however and those 2 socks also met their demise into the creek. What my elementary mind did not think through was that my mother had much more wisdom and experience than I did.  She quickly caught me in my lie and the consequences followed.


Looking back I understand that my carefully planned excuse and cover-up was a lie, no matter how I try to sugar coat it.  It reminds me of Adam and Eve in the garden trying to hide and justify their sinfulness. 


Thankfully we have the good news of Christ!  We do not have to hide from Him!  He loves us and knows all about us!  He has seen our sinfulness and has forgiven us! 

God is sheer mercy and grace;
      not easily angered, he's rich in love.
   He doesn't endlessly nag and scold,
      nor hold grudges forever.
   He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,
      nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
   As high as heaven is over the earth,
      so strong is his love to those who fear him.
   And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
      he has separated us from our sins.
   As parents feel for their children,
      God feels for those who fear him.
   He knows us inside and out,
      keeps in mind that we're made of mud. 

Psalm 103 The Message