A Clean Slate

Recently, another class of men and women graduated from the Triad Community Kitchen Cooking School. The students in this free, 10-week culinary training program, are folks who, for whatever reason, have been unable to find and keep gainful employment. Some of the students are even homeless. Classes are led by Chef Jeff Bacon. He provides the students with the education and training they need to be ready to work in the food service and hospitality industries upon graduation from the program.

There is something even greater than cooking skills and job readiness that Chef Jeff offers his students. The greatest gift he offers them comes in the form of a clean slate.

Each man and woman in Jeff’s class has a past that includes tough times. They have each overcome some pretty big bumps in the road. But, at Triad Community Kitchen, the focus is not on what’s in the rearview mirror, it’s on what lies ahead. And, each graduating class is comprised of people who had the courage and motivation to make a u-turn in order to follow a new path that leads to success.

Can you relate to these students? When you look back do you cringe at what you see? When you look ahead, do you see a new beginning or do endless miles of the same unproductive, painful path lie ahead?

Jesus knows your past. He knows the worst thing you have ever done. And, that’s what makes his gift so amazing. Listen to this passage from the 5th Chapter of Romans: “8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”

If you haven’t accepted His offer yet, what are you waiting for? Jesus stands ready with a clean slate and a new beginning. Hand your life over to him today, ask him to forgive your sins, and experience the freedom that only comes with grace.