John R. Brokhoff tells a story about the great pianist Ignacy Paderewski.

Paderewski had a friend whose little girl was preparing for a piano recital. Out of respect for his friend, he agreed to come.

But when the day came, the little girl looked out and saw the famous pianist sitting in the audience. She froze. She forgot her piece. And she broke down in tears.

When the recital was over, Paderewski didn't say a word. He simply walked up to her, tenderly kissed her on the forehead, and left.

Brokhoff made a point worth holding onto. If that little girl had played perfectly, she would never have received that kiss.

Most of us have had a recital like that. Maybe not on a stage. But a moment when we froze. When we forgot our part. When we failed in front of the very person we most wanted to impress.

And we assume that's the moment God turns away.

But the psalmist knew better: "As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust." (Psalm 103:13-14)

God knows how we were made. God isn't surprised when we fall apart.

So if you're carrying some failure today, some moment you'd give anything to replay, may you know it isn't the end of the story. It may be the very place where the Master comes near… and kisses you on the forehead.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for your unconditional love and forgiveness. You know how we were made. When we fail, come near. Meet us in our mistakes and in our tears. Restore us, and set us on a new path. Amen.

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