Doesn’t the above statement make you want to search for those threads, to find the gleaming treasures he’s hidden among the ordinary moments of our days? Keeping a gratitude journal helps.
Just for fun I reviewed entries in my journal from the last three months. What follows is a short-list of treasures, found here and there through the summer of 2024.
1. On the internet: an APP called Merlin that will listen to the birds singing nearby and identify them by their calls. Such fun to hear an Eastern bluebird, for example, in the trees behind our house, and then spot his bright blue and peach feathers glowing in the late afternoon sun.
2. In our home: celebration of long-term friendships as we enjoyed two sets of houseguests—couples we’ve known for decades. Such joy percolates from the reminiscing, catching up, and laughter!
3. At a coffee shop: New friendship, as a young woman from church and I share our stories, encouragement, and prayer.
4. Next door: While I completed yard work one day (not one of my favorite things to do!), a large cluster of black-eyed Susans in our neighbors’ yard suddenly caught my eye and provided such a lovely sight. I found myself smiling.
5. From the rag bin: a new game created by our middle granddaughter–Island Tag. She and her little sister spread out numerous rags on the floor, and then we jump from one island to the next to chase or escape each other, providing MUCH laughter (and a good work-out for Nana)!
6. At DSW: Comfy sneakers I can even throw in the wash.
7. In a department store: A $150.00 raincoat for $38.73!
8. At a nearby garden center: fresh produce (delivered there each day, starting sometime in July)—sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, peaches, and more. Superbly delicious.
9. In an out-of-the-way place: a giant Thomas Dambo wood-sculpture called The Bird King (complete with a crown made of birdhouses), tucked among the trees on Vashon Island, Washington State.
Our daughter and family took us to visit him. Check Dambo’s website to see if there’s a sculpture near you. He and local volunteers have built them nearly world-wide.
10. In the Hoh Rainforest, also in Washington State: awe-inspiring sights around each bend of the path.
Do you suppose a Hobbit lives here?
11. At church, a Spirit-inspired truth from Romans 8:37, which says: “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Our pastor made the point, we may have hardship, but with Jesus the hardships don’t have us.
12. During devo-time, encouragement to lift my spirit: “Though our prayers seem feeble and sometimes appear to have gone unheard, a word has gone forth. Spiritual agents from the throne room of the King of kings are mobilized against spiritual forces from the headquarters of evil, and there will be ultimate victory.”
I wonder, dear readers, what hidden treasures did you find over the summer? Please share an example or two in the comment section below!
And remember, “If you remember the dignity of the Giver, no gift will seem small or mean, for nothing can be valueless that is given by the Most High God” [3].
[1] Opening quote from Hard Places in the Way of Faith, quoted by L. B. Cowman in Streams in the Desert, 322.
[2] Elisabeth Elliot, A Lamp unto My Feet, 149.
[3] Thomas a Kempis
http://www.flickr.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.flickr.com (Jodi Grundig); http://www.pxhere.com; Steve Ruegg; Nancy Ruegg (3); http://www.freerangestock.
From the Inside Out 