Look for the Blessings

Purposeful thinking

It’s often so hard to see the gifts God has given me when I am in the midst of crisis. It is so easy to take for granted all that God has blessed me with. Especially when all I can focus on is the tragedies that have struck my life. It’s hard to remember that these adversities can be blessings in disguise. I recently read a story of how a pearl comes about. It starts as a grain of sand irritating the oyster and its body rushes to the injured area and the final result is a beautiful pearl. So out of adversity comes beauty. I may not see it right now but that’s ok. I know that God is working to make things right.

Planting corn, won’t reap peppers

Sometimes in the midst of my tears, there is joy. It comes from knowing that I am not alone in this journey. I’ve said all along that this season of my life has a reason. I am still not sure what that reason is but I remain hopeful. Scripture tells me that if I stay strong in doing what I am called to do then at the right time I will reap a harvest. (I paraphrased that from Galatians 6:9) It’s natural to reap what we sow. If I planted corn, it would be a surprise if peppers sprouted up instead. Therefore I must remember to focus on the good things God has given me and share that goodness with others. Then at the end of this season, I will see plenty. Because I keep hopeful even when it seems hopeless.

Scrambled Thoughts

In my past posts I have shared there are many sleepless nights. As I continue to experience scrambled thoughts the nights still seem endless. At times it is an effort to remind my self of the many blessings and small miracles that have come into my life since Tom’s death. With so many changes in my life, these last months is it any wonder my mind has a hard time focusing. I never in my wildest dreams envisioned my life would be like it is now. There is nothing that could have prepared me for this. So as my thoughts continue to race around with thousands of questions as to why, how, what and where do I go from here, sleep once again eludes me.

Yet, I am blessed, and I often forget how much. If I stop and look around I can see the Lord at work in my life. I have a great place to live. I am close to my grandchildren and get to be a part of their lives. There are so many other things that have happened to show me that God really is taking care of me. Yet I let doubt creep in and the pain of his death cripples me. Random what if’s begin to take over my mind and it becomes a challenge to wrangle them in. So I reach for my pen and journal to write and empty my mind.

When grief overwhelms me I turn to God’s word and remember his gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Often life’s storms hit us like a tidal wave, but if I can remember that God’s compassion and love never fail. That gives me the hope I need.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed. (Lamentations 3:22)

Recognize a blessing

His blessings come in many ways. They can come through other people who may not even realize it. Just the other day I met someone who needed computer help. In the course of our conversation, it somehow led to talking about dentists. Her information could ultimately save me hundreds of dollars. You make think it was a coincidence but the circumstances that led to her showing up on my doorstep say differently. I had prayed for help with getting this major dental work done. Didn’t know how I was going to deal with the potential 2,500 dollars it would be. Then out of nowhere here is this person with computer needs and information that was priceless. Not a coincidence, but divine intervention. When things like that happen it reminds me I am not alone.

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again. (Jeremiah 31:3-4)

Remembering the many times’ little things have happened to bless my life helps me cling to the hope this stormy season has an end. I know that my Lord will continue to bless me, keep me safe all while guiding me through the storms of life.

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18) “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5)

Thank you Jesus for being my friend and blessing me with each new day. A Chance for me to start with a clean slate and forget the sins of the past. See the good you have planned for me even in this storm. I choose Christ and I choose to give him the glory he deserves especially during this time of great need. Amen

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