Just a few little words

The day wasn’t too warm.

For the better part of the afternoon a refreshing breeze blew.

Sis had come over for lunch.

After we ate, Jase and Anne went back to school work, I took our granddaughter out to pet the plants.

Sis joined us in a short time.

Bringing shoes for tiny pink toe-protection and to allow them the joy of walking the patio unassisted.

When she came out she commented.

“Grammy has so many beautiful flowers all over. This way you can go look at them.”

It was a small thing, just a few little words.

Sis wasn’t talking to me, but to her baby girl and I just grinned.

It was later, I was outside sitting on the patio, when I began to realize.

“Lord, thank You so much! The yard is such a joy.”

When we first moved here nothing was blooming.

The red rose in the front yard had wrinkled-brown, dried-dead rosehips.

But the back was mostly over grown weeds, in the beds and under the apple trees.

As I thought about the words of our daughter I was humbled by God’s grace.

He has caused so much to change in the yard.

There are flowers all over.

And I love it!

Flowers bring me so much joy.

Did I mention the vegetable garden?

The purple tinted kale, the lettuce, cabbage, and tomatoes all hold a certain anticipation and gratitude at God’s creation.

Although, Sis’s words were small, their impact was large.

I don’t think I’ve truly thanked the Lord enough for all the beauty He has grown in this season.

But thanks to our daughter’s well phrased words, I’m making it a priority.

As I water plants, I’ll be praising the Lord.

I know God didn’t have to give me flowers, but He chose to.

Flowers are His creation and they have been used for generations as gifts, things to show affection from one to another.

Which is how I feel about mine.

The flowers are a symbol of God’s love.

And it was a few little words which brought that to my attention.

My prayer is for others to look at God’s creation and praise Him too.

Isaiah 61:11 KJV — For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the garden. Thank You for growing delicately designed things which point to You. Lord, I long to be grateful for Your many amazing works, but I don’t always recognize them. Please open my mind and heart to all Your works. Please continue to grow me in Your love and understanding. Lord, fulfill Your Word, let righteousness and praise spring forth! I love You, Jesus. Amen.

The joy of growth

I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the weather difference here.

Of course, it could just be an unusual year.

I have no history of the climate.

Yet, my joy in watching things bud and grow has been extensive.

Much earlier in the calendar year than expected.

But so welcome.

Growing things bring me joy.

The plants and trees outside the window are not the only growing joyful things around me.

I’ve been watching our children grow and learn a good deal of late.

Anne has stretched out in her painting.

Sis had encouraged her to try abstract and I thought the results were lovely.

When I think about the joy, of watching my children grow, I can only imagine the joy our lives bring the Lord.

As a child of God I’m never to stop growing and learning.

My whole life is a path, leading me closer to Him.

It’s not a smooth flat highway, it is a mountain trail, full of difficulties and opportunities.

With each step upon that trail, I am growing in Christ Jesus.

What a privilege! What joy!

And I’m not alone upon the path.

There are those farther ahead, whose lives bring teaching and wisdom.

There are those behind, people I’m privileged to share my lessons and experiences with.

There are those beside me, who are encouraging and supportive.

Yes, I’m truly blessed by growing things, especially the people growing in the Lord.

As I step out, into the path today, I’m so very thankful for the joy of growth.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your patience with me and my personal growth in You. Walking in Your path is a privilege although stretching isn’t always comfortable. Thank You for those ahead of me on the path. Their lives inspire me. Thank You for the ones beside me, such blessings and support! Thank You for those behind me. Please help my life to be an encouragement to them. Let them see Your faithfulness in my life and give them security in Your faithfulness to them. Lord Jesus, You made the Way to the Father and everlasting life. Thank You! What an incredible gift! May my life be an opportunity for You to reach others and encourage them to stretch, grow, and walk daily with You. I praise Your Holy name, Jesus!