Our schedule lately has been hectic and I’ve felt more than a little frazzled at times.
Today was no exception…We came off of yet-another weekend that required us to be 2 places at once and
I…
felt…
weary.
The kids were arguing with each other and little one was refusing to sit on the potty and I called for a time out.
Actually, I think I said something “inspiring” like…
I’m not going to speak again until I feel that you will listen!
Then, I prayed.
I prayed for my weariness,
I prayed for my attitude,
I prayed for strength to get through the next few hours until my wonderful husband gets home from work…
I felt God calling me to go outside. Thinking a bit of fresh air would do me good, I obeyed willingly.
When I opened the front door, I was overwhelmed with the luscious fragrance of lilacs. Since the rains yesterday, every single bloom on the purple lilac by my front door had opened.
I stopped for a few moments just to inhale their scent…
As I rested there,
I felt God say, “This is just for you.”
My attention was drawn to the up-until-today, very sad-looking dogwood tree by the schoolroom window.
It was covered with flowers! Delicate, green-tinted white flowers…
Again, I felt God say, “This is just for you.”
The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him… Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
There may be some who would say,
Do you really believe that God opened the lilac blossoms and decorated the dogwood today just for you??
My answer is simple. Yes, I do!
I believe with all my heart that God loves to give good gifts to his children.
He didn’t make my kids stop arguing or instantly potty train little one. And, while that would have been nice, He knew that wasn’t really what I needed.
He chose instead to have me walk outside with Him for a few moments, admiring the beauty of His creation.
Those few moments of lilac-scented beauty will sustain me for the next few hours. It was truly what I needed, just for me.
You see, if we only look to God to provide the answers to our prayers that WE want, then we will miss out on those quiet “just for me” moments that can nurture and sustain us when the storms of life (or potty training) erupt. He wants to do something AMAZING for us each and every day.
Sometimes we just have to let go of the answers we seek and allow Him to provide an answer “just for me.”
Kristi, Homeschooling and other Adventures
Leave a Comment
Stacey says
Of course He did that – and He gladly does more each and every day if we will take notice! A friend of mine has challenged me to take the next 30 days, and ask God for “surprises” in my day that will be simple signs that He loves me and is looking out for me. I can’t tell you the “surprises” He has weaved into my day, probably always there – but now I’m looking!
Love this post!
Kristi says
What a wonderful journey you are on. I hope you continue to see his unexpected blessings long after your 30 days!!!
crystal says
Thank u for postin this 🙂
kd Sullivan says
God gave me lilacs too! They must be His favorite! Check it out here…http://journeytoepiphany.wordpress.com/2011/05/12/lilacs-and-goldenrods/
Susanne says
This blog made me feel good. I’ve been having a down day and it really helped.
Kris says
Oh I can so identify with this. Such lovely truths you remind me of here. THis was a nice encouragement. Thank you for sharing this, bless you!!
Kate says
Love this…yes, the whole Earth is full of His Glory and He uses it to minister to us! God’s love for us so beyond comprehension! Thanks for posting!
Lily Dawn says
I love those quiet moments too, sometimes it take the quiet hush to hear His whisper and to feel His grace.
Beautiful post- just what I needed today! 🙂
Teri @ StumblingAroundInTheLight says
This is so refreshing…I can almost smell the flowers with you…!
Thanks for the words of beauty and encouragement.
Amy Hunt says
Our surrender, it blesses Him and allows Him to swoop in and speak.
Rich blessings, Kristi, as you seek Him in your weariness…