A Sweet Gift

Did you know that I received a gift yesterday that was more valuable than any I've received in a long time.

Have you noticed that sometimes the days do not pan out like you imagined?

Someone says something cruel to you and it hurts.

Someone gets sick or something gets spilled and things get sticky.

You want to go do something but the money is not there.

Interruptions happen when you do not want to make the time for them. 

Yesterday Shane came home from work.  He was sick.  That never happens.  That also means I was all hands on deck yesterday so he could get the rest he needed.  Last night after I had cooked dinner, bathed the boys, washed the dishes and swept the floor there was a big smile on my face.  I was smiling because God had blessed me with the gift of contentment.  When you have a heart of contentment plans can change but they can't take away your joy.  When you live in a way that you roll with the punches trusting God all along the way there is a steady, unshakable peace you are blessed with.

When you have a heart of contentment you can find something good to focus on.  It is a choice you know.  The things you choose to focus on. 

A heart at peace gives life to the body.  That is what Proverbs says.  Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Last night after the boys were tucked in bed we made some good Dunkin' Donuts coffee.  We pulled out the Hershey Kisses with Almonds.  We watched a couple sweet movies. 

Let me tell you something else.  My boys are getting older.  We are walking into some new territories that I have felt unsure about.  I have had some fear and worry about if I am saying and doing the right things for them.  Before I went to bed last night, I knelt by the boys bed to pray for them.  As I prayed I was heavy hearted.  Wandering if I am doing OK.  Wandering if they are doing OK.  Am I teaching them the things they need to be taught right now.  Are we having fun and enjoying our days.  Are we using all the oppurtunities we've been given.

This morning as I was reading my Bible I want you to know that God spoke right to my circumstances and questions.  He does that.  He is Alive and He is the greatest resourse I know of to talk to about my fears and questions.  This is what I read, "He pursues them and moves on unscathed, by a path his feet have not traveled before".  He told me through that verse that I can walk into new territory with confidence because I know who is right by my side.  I may be walking into a territory that is new to me but it is not new to Him. 

Being able to communicate with God is another sweet gift.  If there is something you've been heavy hearted about you know that you can talk to God about it.  He will listen.  You can open up that Bible of yours and let God talk to you through His Word.  How many times does pessimism and lack of faith keep us from doing that very thing?

You know what else he told me?

I have chosen you.

I have called you.

You are my servant.

I have chosen you and not rejected you.

I will strenghten you and help you.

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Is that not the greatest news you have heard all day?  You have a helper.  You have someone who has not rejected you and left you to chance.  Don't reject that help and leave it in an unused heap on the floor, tossed aside.  Pick it up, embrace it, use it, enjoy it.  Walk into your new territory with faith and confidence.