Stain removal...

It happened to one of my favorite items of clothing.  It didn't happen to something old or insignificant.  Instead, it happened to my pink blouse.  I looked down and saw two black marks which led me to an audible gasp!  Known as "the stain queen" in our house, I immediately began the process of treating it.  But I kept wondering why this happened to a favorite item and not one less valued.  

I began thinking.  I often wonder about what was thought, felt and said as Jesus prepared to leave Heaven for this world.  He would be mistreated, rejected, mocked, beaten and killed. I cannot imagine the pain He endured or the knowledge of all that would happen in His life here.

I also wonder if He saw the faces, hearts, minds and lives of countless people His love would touch.  Perhaps He saw a child who would never walk without His touch.  Maybe He saw a brokenhearted teen who needed to know He cares.  Perhaps He saw a shattered family who lost a child...and needed hope.  Maybe He saw a precious lady, lying in a bed, whose body was weary and who knew He would welcome her Home.  Perhaps He saw a life that had endured more than anyone realized...and was clinging to Him for strength to survive.  

I believe that His journey had everything to do with restoring lives, renewing hope, removing stains and rebuilding futures.  He knew that the journey would not be enjoyable.  But He loved us enough to make a way to hold us, heal us and make us new.  His blood stained body brought many gasps.  His horrific death was undeserved.  But He knew why it would happen...and He came to us anyway.  Love came.  Love cleansed.  Love saw stains...and Love removed them.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am loved.<3~thl