Do you ever just want to stay in bed all day?
That was my feeling today. However, my body requires me to get out of bed, along with my commitments. That does not mean that I wanted to put words together or thoughts for a Godly blog. I had almost convinced myself not to blog today. I made my cup of coffee and walked over to the front window, and perched on a Dogwood tree was sitting the most vibrant Red Cardinal. And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the female Cardinal landed on a few branches below. This was the encouragement God sent to me today.
I'm to be out the door at 9:20am to pick up furniture to deliver to Green Chair Project in Raleigh, and just now I realize that I didn't remind my husband that I needed to take his truck today for deliveries. This is a real live blog, my thoughts of to dos, churning and churning, and so it goes. It's important to persist and keep going.
For several years now, the Red Cardinal has reminded me of my Father-in-Law. And the female, my Mother-in-Law, to whom I am forever grateful for the many blessings that have flowed forth. My most dear loved ones, who star in my life, are in direct correlation to their influence and lives well- lived. How appropriate that they were a visual for me today, on their first grandchild's birthday, whom they loved completely. The reminder this morning and encouragement to continue with spreading God's goodness was what I needed to push onward. I am forever grateful.
When my children were little, I literally didn't know how I would complete all the things I needed to complete in a day. Thankfully, I had my Dad and Mom's energy levels and drive. The feelings could have been overwhelming. However, I had little inspirational visuals, my children. Oftentimes, I fed off their energy to motivate me to keep going.
It was when my kids were young, that I learned the lesson of how God expands time. If you give God your time first thing in the morning, reading His word or praying, all the things I needed to get done that day would be done and even earlier than usual. When my children were very young, I attended a Community Bible Study. Surrounding myself and talking with other believers, away from my children, was very encouraging to me. It was not always easy to get there. I recall one morning that is etched in my memory. William was 2 years old, and Grace was a baby. I had already dressed William, including coat and shoes. I then proceeded to tend to Grace. I don't recall what all her needs were at this moment. Although, it must have taken some time, because when I returned to William to grab him and the diaper bag, he had stripped down completely to his birthday suit. This is one of my favorite stories now. However, at the time, I was probably ready to cry. My agenda was my agenda.
At that stage of life, I was faced with spending more time to get out of the house. Just like things may take more time to do as we age, we must continue to carve out time to spend with God. Otherwise, we may miss the visual reminders sent at just the right moment. Give of our time to the One who promises peace, love and joy. And in a moment where we have no control, He will remind us that His plan is perfect. He may be answering a prayer of protection we have prayed over our children. Ultimately, God is in control.
1 Peter 5:6
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
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