Yesterday was a hard day. It seemed like lots of stuff got piled on me and I didn’t respond well. I will spare you the details but suffice it to say that circumstances reminded me of my many failures and my oh-so-evident faults.

This morning, in a Lyft on my way to the airport, I saw a rock formation called “The Praying Monk” at the head of Camelback Mountain. And I thought, wouldn’t it be nice if that monk could pray for me.

Then it hit me, I have some one way better than a praying monk interceding for me.

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1, ESV)

My mind was then taken to John 21 where Jesus sought out Peter on the shore of Galilee. Peter, the one who denied Jesus by his words and actions, was likely overwhelmed by the magnitude of his failure. I am sure it was a surprise to Peter when he was not only restored to fellowship but was also given a mission to tend those who Jesus was calling into fellowship with himself.

Looking into the face of Jesus, Peter found grace and acceptance rather than condemnation. As John reminds us in the verse quoted above, you and I can find the same grace and acceptance.

While this reflection doesn’t change my circumstances, it certainly does change my attitude about them.

Knowing that I am not alone changes everything. Knowing that the one with me accepts me as I am is even better. But the best part is that Jesus is actively working to allay my fears and transform me into the person he designed me to be.

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