God knew my heart was needing Him. He knew I needed encouragement, support and to be surrounded by people of positive, encouraging influence. The morning began with my sweet daughter telling me "You always look so nice for work mom" as she pushed the hair from the side of my face and smiled. Thank you Jesus for kind words & sweet girls.
I arrived at work to find a very kind "regular" who stops in the office delivering two coffees, one for me and one for my office mate. He had no idea it would be the kick start to getting my attitude in check and finding GRATEFUL in my heart in place of GROWLING. Thank you Jesus for unexpected visits and coffee!
I received a text from my son, who was sharing with me he was smiling after having just made his bed (yeah! A good habit instilled in him very young, make your bed before you do anything else and already you've accomplished something in your day) He writes to share "Mom I just finished making my bed & putting the pillows you made me on it (there are 3) and it made me smile thinking of you and reminded me how incredibly blessed I am for you to be my momma" Aweee Thank you Jesus for a son who shares his heart and is grateful for the simple things.
A friend called to say they were looking forward to spending some time together on Friday, what would I like for breakfast. In the midst of the conversation we got to laughing and I realized, Laughter IS good medicine! Thank you Jesus for blessing me with friends who are good for the soul.
I ended my day with dating my husband who allowed me to vent and told me to stop apologizing for talking about work, he knows I'm going through something and "that's what we do" ... we support, listen and lift one another. Poor guy has had ear fulls in recent weeks, God bless him! Thank you Jesus for a husband who loves me enough to tolerate the turmoil and to listen with a heart felt ear in hopes of getting me through it.
When we get all bent sideways and don't seek Jesus, it is easy to get turned upside down and inside out in our day. Things don't flow, we don't find balance, our attitude is rotten and our light (for Him) rather dull.
Yet, when we realize we can't do it alone and we need Him, His patience, His guidance, His direction and His ability to calm the storm - when we turn to Jesus he takes that hot mess and turns in around. Are all my issues resolved at work? Nope. But do I have a better attitude and perspective, YES! Thank you Jesus for bringing into my life people who are filled with you and who fill me with love, encouragement and support... even when they have no idea I need them. YOU know and You make a way to calm the storm. Thank you Jesus!
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Matthew 8:23-27 (NIV)
***This photo made me giggle. Charlie Mae made me a frosted graham cracker, she was about 7 at the time. She used Cheezits to write "Mom"... Do you notice she took a "taste test" out of the corner of it? MADE ME SMILE this morning as I count her twice as one of my greatest blessings!