God’s Love on Crumpled Paper

This past Sunday, I shared a story with the kids using a basket full of crumpled papers. On each paper were the words:

“I see you. I know you. I love you. —God.”

One of the kids had helped me crumple every single one before worship. They asked, “Why are we doing this?” I said, “Oh, you’ll have to wait and see!”

During the children’s time, I held up a paper, showed them the words, and then crumpled it up in my hands. We talked about how life sometimes leaves us feeling bent and wrinkled—when we’re weighed down, when we hear words that hurt, when we carry sadness or shame.

Then I smoothed the paper back out. It wasn’t perfect anymore. It carried the creases and wrinkles of being bent. But the words were still there, plain and clear:

“I see you. I know you. I love you. —God.”

We prayed, asking God to help us remember that we are seen and known and loved, even when we feel crumpled. After that, I had the kids walk through the sanctuary, handing those crumpled papers to everyone present. We all received a tangible reminder that even when life crumples us, God’s love remains written across our lives.

So many people have shared what that little piece of crumpled paper has meant to them—how my sermon on God in Relation spoke to them, and how much we need one another and God these days.

And I confess, I too know what it is to feel like that paper. Like you, responsibilities, disappointments, and exhaustion can leave me feeling bent down. The lines of stress and sorrow crease across my spirit, and at times, my face.

And yet God keeps reminding me of what is still written there:

“I see you. I know you. I love you. —God.”

Sometimes this message comes on a walk, when the light filters through the trees just so. Or when I slow down to savor a meal with gratitude. Or when laughter rings in a conversation with a friend. Or when a note of encouragement arrives at just the right moment.

It’s as if God keeps slipping me little crumpled papers:

“I see you. I know you. I love you.”

I bet God is sending them to you, too.

So, in these days when there are so many things that can crumple us up, I invite you to open your eyes to those little notes God sends you—on a walk, during a meal, in a word from a friend. Let them remind you of what is always true:

“I see you. I know you. I love you. —God.”

May you carry that crumpled piece of paper with you this week, flatten it out and read it when you need to, and share it if you can. I’ll leave the basket in the entryway so you can take a new one any time.

With crumpled-paper grace,

Pastor Robin

*Who might need a crumpled love note from you and God this week, reminding them they are not forgotten?