Many years ago, a friend shared the following quote with me.  I cannot say how many times it has brought me courage and comfort. 

I have failed.  I am failing.  I will fail.

Jesus never fails.

Today has been a hard day.  For five days I’ve been couped up inside my house with three young children, each one taking turns getting flu-like symptoms and becoming whiney and needy and grumpy.  I am out of patience.  Completely out.  Also, I found out last week that my brother, who was being evaluated for placement on a heart transplant list, has colon cancer.  My heart has been aching almost constantly, along with the daily grinding demands of life.   If there had been a surplus of patience and compassion for the needs in my household, (which there was not) the well has run dry by now.   Let me tell you, I am failing a lot.  I am failing to be kind and patient.  I am failing to be the mom I wish I could be.  The wife who is loving and supportive. 

And this truth reminds me that, well, of course I am.  That it is no big surprise.  The surprise is in the goodness and love of the Father who made me and knows my weakness and who will never leave me or fail me.  Never.  Even when I am plagued by guilt and wishes that I could do better.  Even when I feel weary and numb.  Even when I want to give up or give in or give out.  He never will fail me.  Never.  And that gives me pause for a deep breath and a sigh of comfort.  I had a bad day.  A really bad one.  My kids will tell you.  But Jesus never fails.  He never fails to love me.  Never fails to forgive me.  Never fails to keep loving me and giving me his righteousness in place of my filthiness.  Now that’s some good news!