After my dad pass away unexpectedly over a year ago, I am still dealing with times of extreme sadness over the loss. Losing anyone is tough–losing a parent is probably the most intense sadness I have ever encountered. God made us emotional beings and He has equipped us to be able to face any obstacle placed before us. Through His grace and love, we are able to learn, grow, and be more like Him if we will seek Him. God continues to work in my life and just yesterday He used an old pen to show me His love.

One of the things I have from my dad’s briefcase is an old Cross Pen. It is gold, tarnished, and has no value other than the initials B.K.R. on it. I don’t ever recall seeing my dad use it and the fact that it is so tarnished probably indicates he used it extensively many, many years ago and kept it in his briefcase when it was worn out. Despite the lack of value, I treasure this pen and I think of my dad everytime I use it.

Yesterday, I was gripping this pen and just admiring it–thinking of my dad. God asked me if I loved my dad. I told God that I loved him so much. God spoke to me and said He loved me in the same way.

All of us humans are flawed beings and we can bring nothing to God that He doesn’t already have. Even though we are tarnished creatures, God loves us so much, He sent His Son to die for us and gave us a way to spend eternity with Him through the work of Christ at the cross. Even though this tarnished pen I hold so dear has no value, it means the world to me. In the same way, God hold us in His hands and treasures us all even though we are also tarnished–just like my dad’s old pen.

It doesn’t matter where you are in life. God wants to love you where you are now. It doesn’t matter what baggage you have, what you have done in the past, or how you even feel about Him now. God loves you and wants you to come just as you are. Next time you pick up a pen, take a moment to remember God loves you and He is always waiting to hear from you.