The space between “almost” and alignment, as we learn to aim.
Worship music played softly as I sat in the recliner, praying. I opened my eyes, turned my head, and saw this.
Life with teens sometimes means “close, but not quite.”
I wasn’t sure how much simpler I could make it. There is literally a trash can right beside the place they sit. And yet the trash was on the tray. On the floor. Mere inches from where it belonged. Close… but not quite.
As God does, He used that little moment to speak to my spirit.
How many times has He asked me to do something – or stop doing something – and I’ve fallen short?
In James 4:17 (ESV) it says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
This verse is reminding us that when we know the right thing to do – what God is asking of us in that moment – and we don’t do it, it matters.
And I know that word can feel heavy. But sin isn’t always a “you’re doomed, do not pass go, do not collect $200” moment.
At its root, sin means missing the mark.
Like target practice.
The point of practice is learning how to aim. How to adjust. How to notice where we’re falling short, and let maturing form in us over time.
And sometimes… we miss because we don’t understand the point yet. Honestly… ouch. Because how many times have I missed the point of what God was trying to teach me?
The trash wasn’t toxic. It wasn’t dangerous. But it mattered.
The point of the trash can is order. It keeps the space usable. It means someone else doesn’t have to clean up what you left behind before they can use what was meant to serve everyone.
It serves us too. Because even small things like this linger in the background, adding a layer of stress we don’t always notice, but we feel.
And isn’t that part of maturity?
Not perfection… Order. Because order is alignment.
We’re learning to order our thoughts, habits, choices, and responses so the way we move through life serves others well and brings glory to God.
We do not have to be fully matured before we obey. We grow as we practice.
God is patient in the process, but He is still teaching us where to aim. And when we finally understand what we’re aiming for – and why – we practice differently.