August 30, 2021
Wildlife
I am obsessed with wildlife and living in Houston, in the middle of the city I mostly get to see squirrels and birds. But in Colorado, my chances of seeing other animals of the wild are much greater. Each morning I would wake up in anticipation of what will come wondering through my yard. And most days not much happens. But today was different.
We had guests staying at our house and one happens to be a wonderful devotional writer who sends out devotionals each morning and so when I said my morning greetings, I left him alone on the back porch so he could write and I went out on our front porch, sat in my Adirondack chair with my coffee and began reading emails and responding.
After a short while and finishing up…I looked up and truly just a few yards in front of me in my front yard stood a huge, most beautiful mule deer. It caught me totally by
surprise and I even thought maybe I am just wishing so hard that it is a mirage. She was real alright… and there she stood looking straight at me and I at her…astounded by the wonderful surprise and she I am sure she is wondering if I was friend or foe. My heart was full and after a while I just watched as she meandered over to the crab apple tree, feasted on some of the fruit and then wandered on across the street to continue on her mourning journey.
It made me think that so often times I am sure God has placed his blessings right before my eyes but I have been too busy to look up and discover them. I think it probably happens to each of us everyday. Gods blessings are not always the big ones that flash in our path but often times the little ones that if we caught sight of them and put them in my heart basket, our baskets would be full by day’s end.
Blessings come in all different forms, some are answered prayers, some are unanswered prayers, some are just little surprises like an unexpected text from a grandchild or a hug from my husband as he passes by in the kitchen. Some are words of a friend who casually comments and sends out an encouraging word…you get what I mean.
Now you fill in the bank. What are some of your blessings? Just think about them and try to beware of them, For God is always working to send you his gifts and little love taps to remind us of his presence.
This may all seem like trite conversation but too many times I think we get wrapped up in schedules, duties, problem solving and taking care of the business of kids or parents or just life itself and we forget to STOP and literally feel the presence of God around us. He slips in His gifts through his blessings. And those gifts are seldom monetary, though sometimes they may be, but they are gifts sent straight to our heart that money cannot buy. What is it that fills your heart with joy? It maybe music, nature, silence, friends, a phone call, an answered prayer, health…but whatever it is …God already knows it. And he wants to fill you with HIS joy.
Be on the lookout for God to send that something right before your eyes…. And you too will find joy in the everyday. Sometimes it is hard because the circumstances that are before us seem overwhelming, but somewhere in your day, just search a minute and you will find that spark, sometimes it is just a moment but it can inflame a heart with calmness, thankfulness and peace, and even if it is just for a few minutes it can soothe the chaos and give you a few moments to savor the grace of his gifts.
Blessings can sometimes be disguised but if you are expecting them, you will see through the masquerade and be thankful.
It was just a beautiful mule deer but it filled my heart with joy for it was literally a portrait of wildlife that I had prayed to see. ….and God sent that little lady right down the mountain to my front yard. A blessing for sure. May you too be blessed with a spark of joy that fills your heart ….and when it comes your way, remember to thank God for his many blessings. May you absorb God’s blessings and use them to turn around and be a blessing to others.
Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.
May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth
Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in...for his Glory will shine through!
