Several years ago our daughter dashed off two love notes and hid them in our house just before she and her family returned to their home, more than 2,300 miles away. You can imagine those little notes provided delightful, heartwarming surprise upon discovery. And I’ve kept them, to enjoy again and again.
God also leaves love notes tucked here and there into every day.
Love notes like:
- A butterfly casually flitting above the traffic in a busy intersection—a dash of delicate beauty amidst concrete and steel
- The welcome aroma of coffee wafting from the kitchen while golden sunbeams stream in the windows
- Enthusiastic greetings and hugs whenever we see the granddaughters
- The first fireflies of the season, drifting upward out of the grass and underbrush to float among the trees—soft, flickering lights, waltzing to silent music
- A hummingbird lighting upon a flower at one end of the deck planter, even as I’m trimming sprigs at the other. A Close-Encounter-of-the-God-Kind if ever there was one.
- Lost keys, found. I had dropped them at the grocery store somehow; ‘didn’t even know they were missing for more than twenty-four hours. But God kept them safe for me, and inspired some kind person to turn them in–an unmistakable love note of his compassionate care.
Some of God’s love notes actually include words—but not always from the Word.
Recently at the hairdresser’s I happened to pick up a secular magazine to pass the time. In her introductory letter, the editor wrote about her grandmothers and their important influence in her life. She reaffirmed that investing in our grandchildren is highly worthwhile, and they do remember love expressed, attention bestowed, and examples set.
Her words suddenly became God’s words, and tears came to my eyes. There is significance in the repetition of Goodnight Moon, “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and pony rides. There is power in appreciation for primitive artwork, impromptu dances, and weed bouquets. There is influence in affirming strong effort, perseverance, and the courage to try new things.
Granddaughter #2,
building a stool for her doll with wood scraps–
with a little help from Dad
Also recently, I encountered a restaurant worker cleaning the drink station as I approached to pump my herbal tea. We exchanged the typical “hellos-and-how-are-yous. Her greeting was especially positive and cheerful.
“Are you really that fine?” I asked, leaning forward in order to make eye contact.
“Yes, ma’am,” she exclaimed with enthusiasm. “God is so good, I can’t complain!”
“I feel the same!” I answered. “God has been incredibly good to us too.”
The woman finished her task and turned to leave, with more praise on her lips. I wish I could remember her exact words. Nonetheless, I do know those several moments with her provided another love note of affirmation from God, stirring up gratitude and joy in my spirit.
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord, open my eyes to find all your love notes, prepared for me each precious day of life. Then nudge me to turn every note into praise, and joyfully celebrate you.
(from http://www.quotefancy.com)
Oh, yes. Let me one of those who takes off her shoes.
What love note have you received from God recently? Tell us about it in the comment section below!
(Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.geograph.ie; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com; Eric Ruegg; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.quotefacy.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Oh Nancy, this post speaks (shouts) into my soul. I too have received these little love notes from people who visited. (My niece from Germany left one for me in a stack of coffee filters. We found it weeks after she left. I taped it to the inside of my coffee cupboard.)
The last quote has always hit me hard and makes me go looking (barefoot) for God’s holy love notes.
(sitting outside now and a little wren is leaving me a note at this very moment).
Sending love your way, friend
Looks like we both have a sentimental streak, Heidi–and “wren experiences” in common too. One morning I could see one out the window, perched nearby, while I was exercising. She cheered me on! That E. B. Browning quote just came to my attention recently. Such a worthy reminder to live aware, ready with praise and gratitude on our lips for every good gift God bestows.
Well, this made my day! Thank you, Nancy!!
What an honor for me to make your day, Diana! Thank you for stopping by and taking time to comment.
Recently a sweet friend gave me a beautiful wooden plaque with Phil 4:8 wood burned in cursive writing! Not only is it one of my favorite survival verses, it came at a particularly difficult season! A love note and beautiful reminder! I love the quote as I for one tend to always be too agenda minded!!!
Such a powerful verse to keep front and center of our attention. And praise God for his impeccable timing! We’re praying here that this difficult season WILL soon reach its conclusion, and your path will become level and straight! Meanwhile, may you feel God’s everlasting arms upholding you and His strength pumping through you–body, soul, and spirit!
so inspirational. I found myself smiling as I read your words. Thank you for brightening my day!
So glad you found inspiration here, Jean, that made you smile and brightened your day. Your kind comment has done the same for me! 🙂
I can totally relate to losing keys, Nancy. I remember mowing on the riding mower a couple of years ago. (It take three hours of riding to mow both Mom and my places.) For some reason I had to stop mowing my field and go over to Mom’s. When I went back to the mower I discovered that my I didn’t have my keys! They weren’t in the tractor or anywhere. I started to pray and kept walking and looked down and there they were. I don’t think even a minute went by before I spotted them! I couldn’t thank the Lord enough! And there was also a time that Mom lost hers while shopping. The Lord came through again! I went to the service desk and some kind person had turned them in! OH, what a cute picture of Elena! Our Brook has always been into building things from a young age like Elena. Sweet to see!
I love stories like this that underscore God’s interest and intervention in our everyday concerns. Thank you for sharing your experience, Cheri!
Aww. I love the way you see, Nancy.
Thank you, Mitch!
We had moved to a new city, and I didn’t have many friends there yet. As I was walking around the new house to the back yard, feeling sad, I was thinking “I need a hug…” Suddenly I encountered a gigantic, fragrant rose that I had never noticed before – a hug from God. ❤
As I recall, the rose is a symbol of love. So glad you experienced a hug from your Heavenly Father that day. I also noticed that you said you didn’t have many friends in that new city YET. Sounds like God provided love for you through others–in good time. Thank you for stopping by, SDP, and taking the time to comment!
Yes, roses were my favorite. But then He knew that. 😉