Love vs. Mud...

Returning home recently, I noticed our sweet fur babies, Boomer and Beethoven, were enjoying time outside.  Born in Canada, they love snow and cooler temperatures but their play time has been limited due to messy weather conditions.  On this sunny day, however, they were pleased to enjoy fresh air, barking at traffic, guarding our "home on the hill" and sitting in the sunshine.  I also noticed that they had been in mud puddles but that didn't stop their enthusiastic response.  As I climbed out of our vehicle, they began barking and wanting me to play with them.  I could not refuse such a warm, loving welcome.  

Those who know me best know that my favorite color is white and it just so happened that I had on a white jacket.  But "our boys" were jumping, running and standing on back legs to celebrate my return so I did what any fur baby loving lady would do.  I played with them, hugged them, let them kiss my face and put their sweet, muddy paws on me...including my very white jacket.  It was an easy decision.  Love versus mud.  Love won.  

I began thinking.  My life has certainly had its share of mud, too. I may not wear mud on my face or clothes publicly...but my life is imperfect, inconsistent and a continuous learning experience. Just like my white jacket after that warm welcome, I have been covered with mud from life's journey.  

Thankfully, Someone sees me through the eyes of love and also wants to welcome me Home.  He recognizes my obvious stains but He has made a way to cleanse them.  Pulling my white jacket out of the washer, I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized all the muddy stains were gone.  My heart is touched when I realize that He washes away my stains, too.  When it comes to Love versus mud, Love wins...again.

I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl