A Chance Encounter

I barreled through the parking lot with a shopping cart full of groceries and my three children in tow. Though I was glad to escape the huddled masses inside our local Wal-Mart, I was eager to get everything loaded up so I could get back home. I hurriedly opened the back of my SUV, only to find it filled with backpacks and book bags. I sighed and quickly tried to devise a plan for getting all of my groceries into my vehicle.

As I frantically began stashing bags here and there, I suddenly noticed an older lady sitting in the van facing us. She sat quietly watching all of the commotion. There really was no expression on her face, but as she sat almost transfixed, I began to see a little twinkle in her eyes. She never spoke nor acknowledged that she was staring, but I felt like those sparkling eyes of hers were telling a story all their own.

I imagined that she might be thinking about raising her own children in days gone by. Maybe she was musing about how though those days were exhausting, they were some of the best days of her life. And though her mouth remained tightly closed, I could have sworn that I heard her whisper…

Slow down, Mama! Take a deep breath. Enjoy every minute because it passes way too quickly. This is the most amazing journey you will ever take.

As I pulled out of my parking space, I smiled at the elderly lady and determined that I would heed her unspoken advice.

Sage Advice

This week has been filled with many trials and difficulties, ranging from sickness to scorpion stings. But you know what? It was filled with so many more blessings than trials. I was just too busy, stressed, and distracted to notice. I needed to slow my pace and gain some perspective. That is why Psalm 46:10 commands us:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

It is so easy to get caught up in the craziness of life and quickly lose sight of how richly we have been blessed. We must find time to block out the drama and the noise if we are to truly experience deep gratitude for all we have been given.

Prayer

Father in Heaven, thank you for your abundant blessings. Thank you also for giving us the command to be still and rest in your goodness. Help all of us set aside some time this week to get quiet and still so we can begin counting all the ways that you have blessed us. Thank you most of all for the blessing of eternal life through Jesus. It’s in His name that we pray.         Amen

Response

  • This week find a quiet spot and begin to take inventory of your blessings. You might even want to start your very own gratitude journal.
  • Look for opportunities to slow down and observe your family in action. Reflect on how each family member blesses you and share that with them.
  • Take time as a family to thank God for the blessings He has given you. Also spend time affirming one another in prayer.

Memory Verse

The memory verse for this week is Psalm 46:10:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy “Praying with Open Hands.”

 

I hope you and your family have a blessed week!      Dawn