Light, Love, Hope

I was walking around in my garden enjoying the variety of brightly colored flowers when my daughter appeared.  She began to talk about what was troubling her, and my heart longed to help cheer her up.

Later that night when we called my daughter down for dinner, an unexpected surprise of red, purple, and gold balloons greeted her.  Along with the balloons was a card that read, “There you go again … adding sunshine to my world and to God’s!”   She smiled, turned to us with a confused look, then asked, “What are these for?”  We replied, “Just because we think you’re awesome!”

After dinner she took her gift of love and disappeared upstairs.  This was the bright spot she needed in her day, and it helped change things for her.

When is the last time you did something unexpected or received an unexpected surprise “just because?”

Giving and receiving gifts on special occasions such as birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, etc. are great.  They are very special and meaningful, but there’s just something extra special about a gift out of the blue for just no reason other than appreciating the person and wanting them to know how much they are loved.

Get out there and show some love to someone in your life today by doing something special and unexpected.  Not only will you bless them, but you will surely receive a blessing seeing their face light up!

It was a warm 86 degree day in the south today.   I could hardly wait to get home from work to enjoy some time lounging around the pond in my backyard.  I purposely chose to be present in the moment so I left my phone inside to ensure no distractions.  Paying attention to the blue skies with white puffy clouds that looked like cotton balls floating effortlessly above me, I listened to the birds chirping in the distance.  Glancing at the bird feeders to ensure they were full, I sat down in the red wooden Adirondack chair by the sparkling water.  Looking around in the natural environment where I longed to be all day, I spotted several Cardinals in the distance getting braver by the minute as they inched closer to where I sat. To my right, Bluebirds were flying around the white Purple Martin house attempting to seize it again just as they had las year.

Ahhhh … Spring.

Well, almost!

In 28 more days, Spring is officially going to arrive.  Right now, the warmer weather is causing green sprouts to erupt from the earth and fragrant flowering trees to bloom.  Imagine my surprise when I found a Japanese Magnolia Tree bursting with fuchsia flowers!

Do you take time to just be one with nature?

The world screams at us with such urgency on a daily basic that “this” or “that” is important.  We rush around checking things off of our “to do” lists so much that we are left exhausted.  Take time to enjoy nature and soak in the sights and sounds of your environment.  It rejuvenates and refreshes our souls.

Where were you at 2:22 p.m. on 2-2-22?  Hmmm … I was at work on a great Tuesday afternoon and thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our clients.

Think on that for just a moment.

With each new day, we are provided an opportunity to do great and amazing things.  We have the power to brighten someone’s day, whether it’s by casting a warm smile their way, offering a sincere compliment, or praying with them before parting ways.

This opportunity presents itself when your eyes open in the morning before your feet ever hit the floor, and it is available to you right on up to when you close your eyes at the end of the day for a good night’s rest.

Do you take advantage of the opportunities given to you, or do you find yourself in complacency?

We can ask this question of ourselves in the work atmosphere as well as in our home lives.  Often times we are nicer to strangers than we are to people in our own household.  Why is this?  Because we know we can get away with it with people we are closer to?  Because we know they will forgive us?  Why aren’t we striving harder to show the ones we love that we love them?!  Sure, they “know,” but it is always a good idea to SHOW it and SAY it as well.  Everyone likes to hear the words, and it’s even better when your actions line up with the words you speak.

Today we gave our youngest daughter balloons and a card that said, “There you go again – brightening up our world and God’s just by being you!” – just because.  There was no special occasion other than wishing to celebrate her and bless her with a little surprise.

Do you wait for a special occasion to express your appreciation for someone in your life?  Or do you enjoy surprising them “just because?”  Have you gotten to a place where you feel it isn’t needed – well, think again!  Some times it is truly the little things that mean so much!  A person can be having a really bad day or be upset about a situation, and the smallest gesture can make their heart smile and soul sing!  That was the case this afternoon, and I’m SO thankful we planned this surprise earlier in the day not even knowing she wasn’t happy about a certain situation with someone close to her.  God knew, and I believe He laid this on my heart – God does whisper to us, if we only listen!  Thank you, God!  It was just what she needed, when she needed it, too!).

If you find yourself feeling too comfortable, whether it’s at work or in your home life with your relationships, get out of the mindset and place of security where you don’t feel like you have to put forth much effort now.  Strive to do better, to want more than being stagnant.  Use the opportunities given to you!  Those around you will appreciate it far more than you will ever know!