Over the years I have given careful consideration and observation to “living outside the lines”.

Imagine driving down the road and crossing over the line into oncoming traffic only to cause injury to one’s self.

Yet, too often we attempt to nudge the edge of our knowledge of God’s goodness, armed with the fact that “He loves me” and will never leave me nor forsake me.

I get that. There was a period of time where I chose to live outside the lines. All the while God was extending His hand of goodness to me. It was only some months later that I realized how much He loved me. It changed my thinking about Him. “It is the goodness of God that draws man to repentance.”

I have given thought to my children and grandchildren. They could do anything and I would still love them and cherish them. Yet, my heart would be crushed at the life they are missing out on. (If you know me, you know I have walked through those times.)

As a child of God wanders to the outskirts of safety and even life, I wonder about the hurt and the heart that brings them there. The forgetting of what it is to live in the knowledge of His goodness and safety.

But, why the walk towards the outskirts? I think some of it is anger, fear and perhaps even a sense of entitlement. But more so, is it not faith in the Father that keeps us “At His feet”?  For if I believe, I want to be in the place where my heart is open to Him. (John 19:26) I am armed with the knowledge that I am the “disciple whom Jesus loved”.

Grace, more than a thought, more than a power, but in fact the person of Jesus Christ, keeping me (by faith) where I am understanding of how good He is.

Not bouncing down the roads of existence, but in fact empowered by His grace, fueled by His love and lead by His Holy Spirit.

As I said at the end of the game of Hide and Seek, “Olly olly oxen free” (All you out, come in free.)

Bless you!

Lee