Finding the Richness in Messy Days: Grateful
Since Mother’s Day is nearly upon us, I wanted to state that I am eternally grateful for my wonderful mother and mother-in-law. Their love and guidance encourages me to be the best “me” God made.
It is also easy for me to express my gratitude for my hubby and children, my health, our belongings, my church family, etc. You get the picture, being grateful for the “big” things is easy. But that’s not what carries me through the day to day.
I’m finding that it’s much harder to notice, but far more meaningful to search out and express my thanks for, the little gifts that daily enrich my life.
- The little blue egg resting in a nest.
- The brilliant yellow of the daffodils or deep purple of the unfurling irises.
- The determined kisses of my girl, deep thoughts of my first boy, silly smirk of my second, and compassion of my “baby.”
- The unfolding of new life and antics of energetic kittens.
- The clouds whipping past the treetops.
- The sun greeting me each morning.
- A call of a lone loon migrating through and the lovely trill of the Northern Oriole greeting me each morning.
- The shimmering raindrop and smell of overturned ground.
On this journey to savor my days, this life God has graced me with, I need to notice His graciousness. And that goes far beyond the easily noticed.
Lately, I’ve been writing often about noticing the easily missed gifts. That’s because in each day’s messiness, there is a glorious beauty that redeems the mess. A loveliness that shines through the muck of busyness and day’s-gone-wrong. A light that awakens the joy in our lives. And it’s not always the noticeable that reveals the joy.
I’m deeply appreciative for the “big” things in my life. But I’m equally grateful for those little treasures only found by intentionally searching.
It’s the precious inconspicuous that gives a divine richness to each step of this messy journey to glory.
It's the precious inconspicuous that gives a divine richness to each step of this messy journey to glory. Share on X
That’s worth endless shout-outs, don’t you think?
Hallelujah! I will praise the Lord with all my heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The Lord’s works are great, studied by all who delight in them. 3 All that He does is splendid and majestic; His righteousness endures forever. 4 He has caused His wonderful works to be remembered. The Lord is gracious and compassionate. (Psalm 111:1-4)
Reflections: What’s one inconspicuous gift you are grateful for in this season?
Once again I’m linking with Lisa-Jo and 5 minute Friday where a crowd writes uninhibited for 5 minutes (or a few more) on a given topic. It is a wonderful exercise in letting the words flow. Click the button (icon) to check out more posts or consider linking up yourself. Today’s word is: “Grateful.”
By His Grace,
Julie
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Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
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I am thankful for hummingbirds. They have returned to my feeders and I can spend hours (if only I HAD hours) watching them zoom and search and perch. I marvel at their intricate design and the efficiency of their systems and laugh with pure pleasure at their beauty.
Oh, I feel the same way, Anita. Hummers are amazing!
Julie, this is beautiful! God has been teaching me to slow down and find beauty in the ordinary, everyday things. As you said above, “I’m deeply appreciative for the “big” things in my life. But I’m equally grateful for those little treasures only found by intentionally searching.” Thank you!
He’s been teaching me the same things, Gayl. Blessings.
I really enjoyed your thoughts on Grateful! The little things are so important.
Thanks, Vicki. God’s reminders of why we should be grateful are abundant.