Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Dear God,

Discouragement threatened to overtake me...until I saw my bunt pan.  Yes, that's right, my bunt pan.  I realized my priorities, gave thanks, and rose up.

I worked three winter months getting my garden in great shape.  It looked wonderful and I was so proud of my efforts.  But when I arrived home a few days ago I realized I had forgotten to put down the weed killer that would keep weeds from growing and the weeds had taken over, most almost as tall as me.  When I tried to pull the noxious greens, it was so hard I had to finally pull out my shovel and dig them out.  In the process I dug up bulbs and plucked my ground cover.  I was so disappointed.  Sweating like crazy, I felt discouragement sink in my soul so I released my tears because I'm not sure I can save it all.  That's when I went inside and saw the bunt pan.

You reminded me why I returned home.  I came back to be with my family, my children and grandchildren.  I came back to make memories, to be a blessing, to laugh, to help, and to enjoy one another.  I did not come back to carry discouragement to my loved ones.  The bunt pan reminded me of the special coffee cake I intend to make for my daughter.  And so I smiled in my hot kitchen giving thanks for the opportunity to let my first things be first.

Wondrous God,
you give blessings
again and again.
When we
make ourselves attentive
to your voice,
you speak
wise words.
You shift
our thinking
teaching us
what is
most valuable.
Trusting you
to lead me
provides the chance
to reevaluate,
re-prioritize,
and remember
your gifts.
I am grateful.

Love, Andrea