We walked out of Home Depot, just having spent $70 in paint. After loading it in the van, one of my sons got in and accidentally knocked a gallon out onto the parking lot.

The lid came off, and the gallon spilled.

The Lord so graciously gave me a proper perspective and allowed me to see what was most costly here: It wasn’t the spilled paint; it was his crushed spirit.

He was scared he disappointed me. He felt regretful. He sunk down in shame and braced himself for consequences.

I came near, connected our eyes, and reminded him, in light of eternity, this paint does not matter. What matters is how we respond; and I was choosing grace and mercy.

I told him mistakes happen, and I’m positive I would make more costly mistakes.

His face softened, and I felt his heart turn towards mine.

We ended up going back into Home Depot, and they replaced the spilled gallon at a discount.

The event ended us costing us $14.28.

I would gladly pay $14 for an opportunity to help him measure the brevity of this life from the viewpoint of heavenly worship…and get a slight taste of the mercy of God.

There are times, very often, when my children are blinded and need stern correction. But there are other times when they are wrongly defeated and need grace. I pray the Lord helps me to see the difference.