On the way to work one foggy morning, I spotted a small patch of bright colors peeking through the haze ahead. How strange, I thought. What could that possibly be?
A few moments later the mystery was solved. Wafting over a garbage can was a bouquet of helium-filled mylar balloons!
It occurred to me (no doubt prompted by the Holy Spirit) that out of the garbage which sometimes collects in and around our lives—the difficult people, the stressful circumstances—God provides mylar balloons—joyful, bright spots of blessings. I just need to keep my eyes open.
“Alright, Lord,” my heart responded. “I’ll try it. First, thank you for the way the lacy wisps of fog have produced a quiet serenity over the landscape. I’m reminded of your ethereal, surrounding Presence. Thank you for always being with me (Psalm 23:4).
“Those balloons certainly put a smile on my face. If someone else had been in the car with me, no doubt we’d have laughed out loud at the extraordinary sight. Thank you for the gift of humor, for the way it lifts my spirit (Proverbs 17:22).
“Thank you also for the way you engineer circumstances. Just recently I recorded in my Blessings Journal how you miraculously shortened a to-do list that was impossibly long. But you changed dates and cancelled commitments until the items which remained were very doable. You are amazing!
“My heart overflows with joy as I consider the variety of ways you minister to my spirit. Sometimes it’s through a family member or friend, through a song, a speaker, or something I read. Just the other day you spoke to me through a story I was reading. One of the characters explained that trials make us stronger and purer, and you see more of your reflection in us. It was as if you spoke those words directly to me, and my eyes filled with tears of joy, to realize I have the privilege of reflecting your glory.
“Well, Lord, just another minute and I’ll be at work. Soon I’ll see my precious colleagues who have been so encouraging and supportive. Thank you for Christian sisters who care and pray for each other.”
Needless to say, I practically skipped into work that day. And what fun to share with special coworkers, “You are a beautiful mylar balloon in my life!” and then explain.
What bright spots of blessing have surprised you recently? Name them and be uplifted. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).
And please return next Monday to find out how a thirty-year old impression is still finding expression today.
From the Inside Out 
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