Yes, YOU!

Are you familiar with the childhood clapping-chant that begins with the query, “Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?” This is followed by a pointed accusation and a subsequent denial. (“Mama stole the cookies… Who me?… Yes, you!… Couldn’t be!… Then who?”) Moral ambiguity aside, the exchange is a fun way to practice clapping and rhythm with a toddler or two… which I have done with my granddaughters.

This morning, as I read an encouraging Bible verse, the phrase, “Yes you!” came to mind. I wanted to reflexively respond, “Couldn’t be!” For I have a hard time believing that God’s promises to shepherd his people, to shelter them under eagles’ wings, actually apply to me.

Perhaps I’m listening to my mother’s long-ago voice declaring that I am too thin or too fat, that my shyness is an embarrassment, or that my hair color is all wrong. Earning her approval was a bridge too far for me and my siblings. But try we did – which amounted to striving after wind, as Solomon might put it.

But sometimes, sometimes the truth wins out, and there’s a resounding, “Yes, YOU!” Because God’s grace IS amazing and his love unconditional and individualized. All God asks is that we bring our hearts to him and become like sheep. Not attractive woolly sheep, but straggly, stubborn, and lost sheep. Good only because the shepherd calls us good as he is good.

So to anyone who struggles to be enough, to be acceptable, to internalize that God loves you — I say, Yes YOU! In fact, especially you. God happens to be drawn to straggly sheep.

Just try not to steal any cookies!

Image: https://clipart-library.com/clipart/120593.htm