This morning K and I went out to water the flowers before the sun came around full force. I decided that a little Miracle-Gro might give them a boost so I pulled out the watering can, the hose and the fertilizer. You do have to picture this all in slow motion which probably looked pretty funny. We emptied the watering can once and I told her that I was going in to check on R, who was still working on waking up on the sofa. When I came back outside K was sitting next to the flower bed and announced that she had just prayed to Jesus for the flowers. Somewhere between trying not to cry and trying not to laugh from pure joy I said "Oh yah?" She said "Yah, it was easier than trying to do it with the watering can - that thing is heavy!" I couldn't help myself and had to ask her what she had said. She said (as best I can remember) "Thank you God and Jesus for the beautiful flowers even though we have them for the angel baby. Please let them grow strong and tall and pretty so we can laugh and sing for all to hear..." Yah, that makes a momma very happy.
At this point I started thinking about why in the world I can't always be thankful for things like that, why I can't look at the trials as just part of the journey in getting to a "beautiful garden" so I started doing some reading. I will leave you with my two favorite passages from today.
James 1:2-6
Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:12
God Blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
2 comments:
That prayer is so precious. I've read it like three times and every time I cry. It seems like it could apply to so many different things. To me this prayer says, "Even though our circumstance my bring pain, thank you for the beautiful things. May we grow tall and pretty and bring joy to those who look upon us. May we sing and laugh for the Glory of the Lord and for all that He does!" I love it. Your garden is such a symbol of so much: pain, sadness, grief, growth, beauty, joy, light, Life, death, Heaven and Earth.
I like your verse too. I have read that a lot over the past year. Someone gave me James 1:2-4 in a card right after my brother died. At first I couldn't really read it. I definitly couldn't hear it, but months later it resignated with my soul and gave me a much deeper perspective.
Thanks for your comment on my last post. I really appreciate your insight and thoughts. I'm glad I have stumbled upon them (or perhaps God gave them to me. Perhaps God gave us each other).
((hugs))
She is such a sweet, thoughtful little girl.
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