Those old slops

I walked past the bathroom when something caught the corner of my eye. I went back and into the bathroom and saw my husband’s pair of old slops, neatly next to each other and in front of the basin. I knew he had been hailed by one of the children to go and see something he had been doing.

These were well worn slops with deep imprints of his own feet in them. As I stared at them I could not go on with what I had been doing. I felt God show me things about this man. That these slops carried a man who loves Him deeply, someone who lives not for himself but for many others.

Many steps he had walked to see what the children excitedly wanted to show him, to watch their activities in school, always cheering for them, no matter how they were doing in the eyes of the world. Many steps he had walked to make sure they were protected, to show and teach them about the things and the ways of God.

God revealed to me that this is a man who knows pain and heartbreak, but could put this aside and feel such deep compassion for the people around him. These well- worn slops cover much ground, drawing him into peoples’ hearts and lives, always leaving a smile and love and laughter behind.
Many steps he had walked merely to check if I was okay, to offer help in any way, no matter what the cost. Steps to make my day easier and to show me I am loved, deeply and unconditionally.
I realized as I stood there , looking at those slops, that even more than this man lays his life down for his wife, friends and family, as intensely as he loves us, so Christ loves His bride, His Church, His people, His sons, His daughters, you and me.
We simply cannot comprehend His love for us; we are far too limited in our mere humanity.
I echo Paul’s urging for us to have the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. And to know THIS love that surpasses knowledge – that we may be filled to the measure of ALL fullness of God.

Those old slops remind me of this, that I am loved for who I am, how I am created, exactly as I am now and there is NOT ONE THING I can do to earn His love, or to lose His love. I am complete in Him, right now as I am. I am totally fulfilled by His love.