The Perpetual Bog-Like Mud Puddle

So, our girls love to play princess (like most 2 and 3 year olds!)  And we remind them frequently that we think they are so beautiful, not only on the outside, but more importantly on the inside.

One afternoon the other week, the girls took the time to get all "dolled-up" in their princess outfits (with shoes, jewelry and accessories) and then wanted to visit their friends as princesses.  We loaded everyone up into the strollers and then hiked down the road to a nearby park, where common fixtures include the Daniel & Wilson children.

In the park, other fixtures include slides, swings, see-saws, grass, trees, and a perpetual, bog-like mud puddle. (I think you can see where this is going!)

Fun was had by all, until we looked over and saw Eliza running across the park, toward the perpetual, bog-like mud puddle.  By perpetual, I mean the mud has been there since we arrived in August, and rainy season has been over for 2 months!

I-n s-l-o-w m-o-t-i-o-n, Eliza runs through and then falls into that perpetual, bog-like mud puddle.
In the next moment, poor Princess Eliza was screaming for help and deliverance!

Daddy came rushing to the rescue, gathering her in his arms and returning her to safety.  He brought her home, washed the mud off and restored her to a beautiful princess once again.

Yes, it was hilarious, and I thought we'd never get the sticky, stinky mud out of her hair, ears and clothes! More importantly, it reminded me of how I can come to God with whatever struggle I am having, no matter its size because He DELIGHTS in me and wants to be my Rescuer time and time again.

Likewise, I am often like Eliza, stuck in a perpetual, bog-like mud puddle of pain, struggle or sin.  Thank goodness I know God as my Father and Rescuer! All I have to do is call out to Him, and He gathers me into his arms, washes me with Living Water (Jesus) and restores me as His dearly loved daughter because he DELIGHTS in me.

Psalm 18

vs. 6 "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.

From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him into his ears."

vs. 16 "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters."

vs. 19 "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he DELIGHTED in me."

Our "Clean" Princesses