Speechless

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:15‬ ‭

If you know me very well, you know I learn by talking.

Which is a fancy way of saying I usually have something to say.

(Okay. I’ll admit it. I can be a bit of a motor-mouth.)

But I had a moment today where I had nothing to say.

Truly.

(I’m serious. Get that smirk off of your face.)

Let’s begin.

I had set up an activity whereby my littles were to read a set of instructions, get their prepped supplies, and create a cornucopia for Thanksgiving. It’s a favourite activity. It works really well. It gives my littles a much needed sense of independence.

Win-win.

One wee participant picked up a piece out of order and started cutting. A terrible realization hit him.

“Mrs. Lowes, I took the wrong paper! Should I throw it out?” His eyes expressed deep concern and contrition.

I donned my cape and launched into Operation Reassurance.

“No worries! You will need that paper next anyway. Why don’t you just go and get the right one and then you’ll have two ready at your desk? That is only a small mistake. It can be fixed easily.”

The anxious little remained unconvinced.

To reinforce the lesson I sought to impart, I asked the class, “Haven’t I made a mistake before? “

The positive assent in the form of vehement nods and enthusiastic comments in the affirmative were just a tad overdone, I thought. But no matter.

“I just fixed it when I noticed it, and then it wasn’t a mistake anymore!” I continued with a flourish. Another win-win. Kindness dispensed, lesson delivered.

Until a little suddenly materialized at my left elbow.

She cleared her throat.

I gave her my attention.

“Mis-TAKE?” she asked pointedly.

I didn’t follow. And it must have showed. She persisted in her theme.

“You said, ‘Haven’t I made a mis-TAKE?’” Her emphasis would have made a speech therapist proud. “Don’t you mean mis-TAKES?” [emphasis on the plural]

Then it hit me.

A wave of speechlessness.

I mean, what can you possibly say in the face of magnificently bold truth?

In the same way, the Apostle Paul writes of being a bit gobsmacked when he thinks about the magnificent truth of the gospel. He is speaking specifically about grace in describing the greatness of God’s gift.

And Paul, the theologian, the preacher, the polished orator, the writer – runs out of words.

He just finds them too inadequate for the concept he is trying to get across – that our sins are wiped out by a good God who left heaven to get His feet soiled with earthly dust to perform the greatest rescue mission ever designed, or delivered.

Paul.

Speechless.

Imagine.

I’m filled with a tingly joy burst, just thinking about it.

Now, that’s something to be thankful for!

Be overwhelmed with gratitude for this delectable gift with me?

Father, there aren’t words to express enough thanks for this lavish gift! Thank You for my clean record, the love that seeks me out, the grace that falls like rain all around me. Accept my speechless praise as I worship! Amen.