I let out a groan as I realized what a huge mistake I’d made. I was preparing to sell
my recently published book, Parables of the Eucalyptus, at the Heartland Women’s
Christmas Market, and as I pulled a few newly-printed copies out of the carton that had
just arrived at my door, the front cover caught my eye. Oh my gosh! I’d misspelled
“eucalyptus” in the title! I’d paid an editor to comb through the text twice, but the front
cover was my own design—and my own problem! My stomach roiled with shame.
How could I sell these defective books at the Christmas market? But there was no
time to have new copies printed and delivered. I’d have to offer replacement copies to
everyone who bought my book. I dreaded having to face these ladies I was just getting to
know. What would they think of me? They’d probably assume I was a slob who didn’t care
about getting anything right. Self-reproach and embarrassment covered me and
threatened to shut me down.
I debated skipping the Christmas market altogether—even contacted the organizer
about the possibility of dropping out. But in the end, I finally packed up my books and
headed over to Heartland, my hands shaking in fear and my throat knotted with dread at
the prospect of facing a bunch of women I hardly knew and offering them a defective
product.
One of the first people to purchase my book was Barb. With my eyes lowered, I
pointed out my error and told her I’d be happy to replace the book when the corrected
copies came in. Her response was uproarious laughter—not in a way that mocked me, but
a jolly belly-laugh at the hilarity of my error. Her laugh proclaimed, “It’s just a silly little
mistake.”
…and in just one instant, her guffaws broke my shame!
They put all my fear, dread, and embarrassment to flight, and they opened the door
to Papa God’s perspective. He wasn’t disappointed in me. He wasn’t ashamed or
embarrassed. In that moment I knew there was no reason to let my silly mistake
overpower me like this.
Barb did for me what I hope to do every day for those around me: she poured out
Christ-like grace and helped me see myself as Trinity sees me. Her belly-laughs were Holy
Spirit’s “rivers of living water” (John 7:38), pouring over me and opening my eyes to a
heavenly perspective on this situation.
“Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how
everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for
each other.” John 13:34-35 MSG
I’ll be forever grateful for the love Barb showed me that day—love that started from
heaven, flowed through her, and washed the shame right off me.
How about you? Think of a time when someone’s affirmation, encouragement,
love—or even their laughter—has been a blessing to you. Take a moment to thank God.
Have you taken the opportunity to express your appreciation to them?
Is God inviting you to express His encouragement to someone? Let those rivers of
living water flow from your innermost being!
~ Kathryn Kircher, writer
~ Danyelle Yoder, painter of “Truth Only”, https://www.danyelleyoder.com
