(This is the fiftieth post on From the Inside Out. In celebration, I’m diving into the archives for an early piece and reposting.)
On the way to work one foggy morning, I spotted a small patch of bright colors peeking through the haze ahead. That’s strange, I thought. What could it possibly be?
A few moments later the mystery was solved. Wafting over a garbage can was a bouquet of helium-filled mylar balloons!
Mylar balloons (Photo credit: Transguyjay)
It occurred to me (no doubt prompted by the Holy Spirit) that:
Out of the garbage that 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 that morning. 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).
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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!
To-do list book. (Photo credit: koalazymonkey)
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.
DSC_5104.JPG (Photo credit: @superamit)
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.
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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).
From the Inside Out 
Beautiful!!!
Thank you, Laura!
Fifty columns!! Congratulations!! This one was great, as always. See how good recycling can be?
Thank you, Grace. Again, I greatly appreciate your enthusiastic support! It’s good to know an occasional recycled piece is OK, too. Actually, according to the blog stats that WordPress offers, only 4 people read this one the first time around. I think it was Post #2 from mid-November.
I sometimes repost too, Nancy, especially if it’s something that I personally need for the day. I was blessed a few days ago when a beautiful red bird landed on the door of my car as I sat in it with the window down. I honestly thought he was going to fly in the car with me! He looked at me a few moments as if to simply say hello then flew away! God’s creation brings so many chances for joy if we just recognize them. Loved your story!
I can’t remember ever enjoying such a close encounter with a wild bird as you experienced. Truly, that redbird may very well have been a harbinger of joy straight from God’s hand to you! Thank you, Tresa for stopping by, and for your encouragement.
A post worthy of revisiting for sure! Balloons over a garbage can kind of reminds me that weeds sometimes have really beautiful flowers! I am currently keeping an eye on some weed/flower to bloom before I know whether to pluck it out or not! I was not blessed with a green thumb, needless to say!
I love your object lesson, taken from weeds with flowers: Even the distasteful, tough times are accompanied by blessings. The best course of action is to focus on the flowers. I’m still on the learning curve for that principle!