When I can’t think of a topic for a devotion, I thumb through my small journal where I write down interesting things I read. About a year ago I was reading the writings of Hadewijch of Antwerp, a Dutch mystic of the 13th century. We know nothing about her life, but her writings survive. The following is from a letter she wrote.

“And even if you do the best you can in all things, your human nature must often fall short; so entrust yourself to God’s goodness, for his goodness is greater than your failures.”*

I was taught that I always should do my best. On a good day, I believe that principle is still applicable to my life. On an honest day I admit that I often fail to do my best. Sometimes there is not enough time to do my best–and that is often because I didn’t start soon enough. Sometimes I’m just to lazy to do my best. There’s something more interesting or more fun to do so good enough will do. And on a completely truthful day I have to admit that my best just isn’t going to cut it. You don’t want me to bake a pie or draw a picture.

There’s comfort in the words of Hadewijch. God’s goodness is greater than our failure .I am human and often miss the mark. That’s what sin means. But Hadewijch reminds us of grace. I don’t do my best. My best isn’t good enough. God’s goodness is always greater than my best.  Thank God!

Read Psalm 145:9 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne