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One Sunday I saw a small but resolute five-year-old girl play the violin for a church full of people---her parents on the front pew. Each time the girl struggled with a note she glanced at her mother, who gave her a nod of encouragement. And the music went on, I see that scene in my mind each time I read, Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we might be saved (Psalm 80:3, NIV). I constantly struggle with the hard notes of this life. And yet, when I turn to God He saves me---even from myself. As painful as it is to admit my failure I know that God will forgive me if I turn to Him in earnest repentance. When my notes are squeaky, God nods---not meaning that it's acceptable to constantly make mistakes, but that He loves me, forgives me and welcomes me back. Grace is acknowledged: holiness grows. Harmony is restored. And the music goes on. By Carol Mead |