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 