Do you know that feeling of being squashed back onto the potter's wheel, but not immediately knowing why?  I was there today, again.  I spent the day with my family, but as soon as I was alone, I was overcome with that feeling that God had returned my lump of clay to the wheel.  Sometimes I know immediately how I have displeased Him, but sometimes, like today, I wasn't sure.  Burdened to know and to confess my sin, I prayed that God would show me my disobedience. 

My mind went to one of the day's conversations about a Christian university whose theological bent is far from that of my own.  I strongly discouraged someone from sending a loved one there and recommended instead a university that was more in line with my theology.  "That was wrong, Lord?  Why?" 

"Oh, my child," He seemed to answer me patiently,  "You are trying to make theologians of everyone.  What if this young man needs the structure and rules of that university in order to develop a relationship with Me?  What if the freedom of other universities is more freedom than he can handle?"  Finally I got it.  I had placed my personal theology in front of someone else's salvation. 

Tears flooded my eyes as I repented before God.  How could I have been so insensitive to the Spirit?  I made an apologetic phone call, and then thanked God for returning me to the wheel to be remolded. No matter how many times I fail Him, He never throws me aside.  Thank you, Lord for constantly refining me, that I may one day become a vessel that reflects You.  And please do not let my words today be a stumbling block in another person's relationship with You.  Your repentant squashed vessel, Kathy