Unexpected Blessings

God always seems to know when we need that little pick-me-up, and he always seems to provide.

It has been a very long week, full of a regular week of school plus meetings, after school obligations, and other obligations added after that. There were times when I found myself wondering if I would make it through the week in one piece. My husband has been sick, my students have been rambunctious, and I have been getting more and more tired.—– But God provided me with the energy to finish and get it all done.

God always seems to do that.  God provided an opportunity for me to adjust my schedule on Thursday so that I had enough time and energy in reserve to support my daughter and participate in the 5K that she had helped sponsor. On Friday morning, just as my body was running low and I was noticing that my energy was gone, I somehow found the ability to smile and joke, just enough to boost my energy and make it through the day. Last night, God came through again.

My husband, daughter, and I headed to the annual festival that is held here in our town. We were just going to cruise the streets, say hello to old friends, allow my daughter to pick up a gift for her boyfriend, and head home. Money is tight this year, and I wanted to save some because I am travelling to see my son at his college today.

As I passed the local bank booth, I heard them saying something about giving away $100; I walked up to the tent, filled out a ticket, and even jokingly had my daughter tap it for good luck before handing it over to the lady working the table. We strolled on down the street and continued to talk with old friends when my cell phone rang.

 I didn’t recognize the number. My husband said, "Call it and see who it is," but I hesitated. Just then a voicemail came through. When I played it, I learned that God had blessed ME with the $100. This within 10 minutes of the time I had entered! When I went to pick up the money the lady at the table said, "What about that? You were just here, but we shook it up REALLY good."

Because of the blessing my son and I will enjoy a good meal today. I will reserve a crisp $10 bill for the offering plate and will thank God once again for the unexpected blessing as I place it there tomorrow.

Glimpses of God

They are everywhere...........

All around me...........

When I see one of my teenage children casually lean over to a young child at church to smile, laugh, and help with an art project, I see the love that Jesus expressed when he said, "Let the little children come to me."

When I come to school in the morning, loaded down with the burden of books, graded papers, and my lunch bag and one of my students rushes to the door saying, "Do you need some help?" I see the giving hand of God.

When our community unites to raise money for a young lady who was in a tragic car accident, I feel the rush of God's care taking care of those in need.

When I have had a bad day at school and I get an unexpected email from a parent or student, saying, "Thank you for taking the time to help." I feel God's tender embrace saying, "You are loved."

When I am driving home after a particular trying day at school and just the right song comes on the radio, I feel God's strength and encouragement saying, "Be strong. You did your best. Tomorrow, you can try again."

Yes, sometimes it is not the BIG things...... those moments when something amazing and miraculous happens.......

Instead, it is the little things, those quiet, dainty, feathery touches of God's love that mean the most.

I think back to when my children were young and my daughter would be playing in the fresh spring grass. She would find one of the first dandelions of the season and would rush to my side, great joy on her face. We would sit together, side by side, as she blew on that dandelion, spreading the seeds into the wind. Weeks later, tiny little dandelions would sprout throughout the yard.

That is the way I envision God's love. It is those little things, the tiny dandelion seeds that I need to spread throughout the world. I don't have to always move mountains. Instead, I can take the time to do a small thing.

I can bake a dish of brownies for a friend.

I can deliver a plate of left-over food to a lonely neighbor after my own family has had a big get together.

I can take a bag of gently used clothing to a family in need.

Just as my daughter's dandelion seeds sprouted and filled the yard, those "little things" that I do will spread God's love throughout the community and can sprout more deeds of love. I just need to keep my eyes open and pray for God's guidance as he reveals the opportunities to me.

Won't you join me? Can you think of some seemingly small thing that you can do today to share God's love with someone who needs it. Are you willing to give them a glimpse of God's love?