Return to Sender

I have a couple of great sisters.  Please note one can only use that adjective several decades past childhood.  One of them lives with me and has adapted a lifestyle free from conventionality.  She is retired and has no need to be concerned about when the sun rises and sets.  She has no need to be on the road at any specific time heading to a job.  Therefore she is often awake at 3:00 A.M. I become aware of this when I take the dog out. (The dog will only go out if I take her.  Otherwise she just stands by the bed and shakes her ears to awaken me.)  At 3 A.M. when most people are asleep my sister watches a lot of infomercials and ends up purchasing things she doesn’t need. Fortunately she comes to her senses when the package arrives and “Return to sender” becomes one of her favorite things to write. Back it goes. When I watch her do this I become envious of her freedom to get rid of stuff she doesn’t really want. 

I think to myself I wish I could write on all my sins “Return to sender” and have them returned to Satan who tempts me.   Ah, that isn’t really fair. Most of the time I tempt myself. I am a big boy and don’t need to blame Satan.  So I have a better plan.  It’s called 1 John 1:9.  It’s much better than just sending them somewhere. Instead they are forgiven.  What amazes me about this is Jesus never grows tired of forgiving me.  He is faithful.  He is just.  He actually loves it when I ask.  What a magnificent plan this is!

Written by Roger Bothwell on November 13, 2008

Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574