Blessings Friends,
What a glorious day! I should be working on a book proposal . . . and a million other things, but the sunshine outside, and the green in my flowerbeds are very distracting.
I just got my seeds in the mail, and I can’t help but flip through my favorite gardening books, as we plan this year’s garden.
Not that long ago, I was bedridden, dealing with a tumor in my back. When I think that I was supposed to come out of that paralyzed from the waist down, on my right side (at the very least), and how good God has been to heal me, allowing me more time to play in my garden . . . well, I just can’t find the words.
Spring reminds me of one of the lessons I learned during that time, which I share in my book, Watch God Work.
April 12, 2010:
“We have a bumper crop of dandelions this year. Chuck says if we spray them, we won’t have a lawn. Since I’m on restriction, I spend a lot of time gazing out the window and sighing in discouragement, as nature reclaims
all of my hard work. Friday, as I was at the window, wallowing in self-pity, four-year-old Gracie nudged in beside me for a look. I heard her gasp.
“Oh, Mommy!” she said, “Look at all the beautiful yellow flowers! Can we go out and pick some?”
I had to smile. No wonder Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14. The same innocent mind that has no problem understanding that God can be everywhere in the world and in her heart at the same time, found joy looking out the same window that gave me grief. I was so focused on the negative, I had missed the beauty.
I began to wonder how many other times I’d missed it. Missed God’s smile, assuring me of His love and faithfulness. It certainly would have been easy to do in the past six months.
Gracie made me determined to stop, no matter what circumstances surround me, find the beauty, and thank God for taking the time to send me a love letter. Thank you, Gracie.”
I’m easily overwhelmed by all of the “stuff that needs to get done.” Then I become a person Gracie refers to as “Grumpy Mom.” It isn’t pretty. I need these reminders that God’s intent for me isn’t to work myself to death, but to live fully. To have joy and rest, as well as purposeful work. Even plants produce more when they’re happy.
Yes, God wants me to have fun, and take pleasure in all the things He made for me. Why shouldn’t He? He’s my Dad, and He loves me. And, guess what? He loves you, too!
Take some time to play, today. You have Dad’s permission.
God’s grace and peace be yours,
Rebecca
