I woke up this morning to a pretty incredible surprise. I walked right by it the first time – I account this to the fact I had not consumed coffee yet. As I let Leo back into the house, it was right there – so bright and beautiful before me. It took me by such surprise.
Before the winter, our sweet friend Gale had left me with a flower pot with a plant in it. She knows how much I enjoy flowers and plants and the outdoors. She was moving and gifted this to us. I watered it and took care of it. But I must be honest – I thought I had killed it. It had no green anymore and just looked pitiful. When winter came, I brought it inside. I continued to look after it, even though it really had no signs of life. Leo was the only one to find it fascinating so I had to put it in a stand – out of his immediate reach. At some point over the last couple of months, it began to have little stems spring up. They looked promising and I was overjoyed I had not completely ruined it yet. It has continued to grow and develop buds on the ends of the stems. I had no idea what the blooms looked like, when they bloomed or what to expect. Last night, as we were fixing dinner, I pointed the plant out to Wendy. One of the blossoms looked as though it would open in the next few days or weeks. We decided we would send Gale a message the next day. I woke up this morning to the biggest, most beautiful bloom. I was shocked and amazed and overjoyed.
This may not sound like much to you – but for me, this was a gift I had not expected. It was a joyful surprise and reminded me of God’s goodness. The verse for today – which I have used several times just because of its meaning – immediately came to mind. God’s mercies are new every day. We just don’t always see them. We walk by them. We give up when we feel all is lost. It may be God is working beneath the surface to produce something pretty amazing. We simply have to watch, be patient, and wake up to God’s mercies. If we pay attention, they may just take our breath away. It sure did mine.
Focus Scripture:
Lamentations 3:22-23
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
This Photo included in today’s Devotion is captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 