1 Peter 4:8-10

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (N.K.J.V.)

We have had some issues with the twins sleeping in their beds all night. They come in our room at 3 am, stretch out in between us and act like the prince and princess should be able to rule over (or should I say roll over) the king and queen of the master bedroom.

Elbows and knees in my back + feet kicking me straight in the head = sore muscles and aching hips, which inevitably lowers my ability to think clearly. (Starbucks must be extremely happy as I have been quite addicted to extra caffeine as of late.) This has been the story of our nights for the last six months.

We’ve devised a chart: a simple sleeping system that says, “Sleep in your beds and get a sticker. After a certain number of nights spent in your own beds, shop for a new toy.” Hooray and halleluiah for bribery with shiny new toys for which we have no room. It’s okay. Sleep must win!

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been more successful than not. However, last night, Sammy came in at his usual 3 am. This morning when I asked him, “Why didn’t you sleep in your own room?” He said, “I know mama; I gotta do better.”

At that moment I instantly thought about how Christ has certain commandments for us. Our chart is the Bible and if we read and apply it, freedom, hope, grace, and mercy are the rewards. I told the Lord, “I have to do better.”

I fall short. I think things I shouldn’t think and say things I shouldn’t say. I sometimes withhold mercy. Since I am a mother of little ones please forgive me as I use their terminology, “Withholding mercy is just plain yucky and I gotta do better!”

The scripture above tells us love will cover a multitude of sins. It says we must be hospitable without grumbling. (ouch!) Most importantly, the word says, “Minister to one another.”

We must minister to one another. We have to extend mercy and grace. Daily, I am working on these principles. Jesus didn’t wait to extend His mercy for us, he died on the cross and it freely flowed, like the blood from the nails in His hands and feet.

Sometimes, I hold back mercy. Sometimes, my mercy waits. I have to do better…

Food for thought:  Does your mercy wait?