A Doorway for Grace

John R. Brokhoff tells a story about the great pianist, Paderewski. Apparently, Paderewski had a friend whose little girl was preparing for a piano recital. Out of respect for his friend, he accepted an invitation to the little girl’s recital. However, when the day came and she saw the famous pianist in the audience, she got stage fright, forgot her piece, and broke down in tears. 

At the close of the concert, Paderewski said nothing to her but went up and tenderly kissed her on the forehead and left. 

Brokhoff made the point that if that little girl had not made the mistake and failed, she would not have received a kiss of love and understanding from the master pianist.”

It is the experience of many, that it is in moments of failure and struggle that God’s mercy and grace are most palpable. In fact, I’ve heard it said that some Native Americans have a tradition of leaving a blemish in the corner of a blanket they are weaving – because they believe that is where the Spirit will enter.

I wonder how your personal blemishes, failures, and shortcomings might be a portal for God’s grace, mercy, and love. 

In the Message version of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says, “You are Blessed when you’ve lost it all. The Kingdom of God is there for the finding!”

Let us pray: We thank you, Loving God, for your unconditional love and forgiveness. Today we pray that in a mighty way, you would use our past mistakes and failures to come into our lives anew. Restore us, and set us on a new path. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.