Every morning, I find something beautiful to marvel at and thank God for. I sigh with joy over lilacs and irises, study ripples on the pond, enjoy the early birdsong.
Today I looked outside and felt like I was living inside a Beatrix Potter book. Squirrel Nutkin chattered from the maple tree. Goslings toddled around the lawn, while bunnies nibbled clover. It reminded me how appealing babies are.
Last week, my husband and I visited our grandchildren. Snuggling our six-month-old grandson filled me with so much love I think I’ll be running on that fuel for the next year. And our three-year-old granddaughter infuses every moment with excitement and joy, which I’ll also carry with me.
When I look at the ways that babies stir my heart, I love knowing that God refers to us as His little chicks. Jesus said, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Matthew 23:27 NIV)
We hear His tenderness, and His yearning to protect and comfort us.
Today, let’s be willing.
A little prayer:
Lord, thank you for giving us life and creating this amazing world, full of wonders and joy. Yet the world also holds struggle and pain. Please draw us under Your wing. Give us the comfort and protection we need today. And help us offer comfort to those around us. We are all fragile as little chicks, goslings, bunnies, or babies. We need You to sustain us. Amen.
How about you? Have you spotted anything today that reminds you of God’s tender love for you? Please post a comment and share it with us!
Blessings,
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Sharon,
I woke up to Matt Redmon’s “Ten Thousand Reasons” running through my mind. I just listened to it on Youtube, and now I’m listening to Morten Lauridsens’, “O Magnum Mysterium” peformed by the King’s College choir, also on Youtube. For me, both of these songs fit in with what you’ve written here. 🙂
Thanks, Stacey! Music is another one of those blessings that stir awe and appreciation. We surely have ten thousand plus reasons to trust, love, and celebrate our Savior! 🙂
My 10 month old granddaughter. Her beautiful, precious smile when she looks up at me with those precious eyes. Just makes my heart overflow!!!!
Jeanette, thanks for sharing. I agree. Little ones can make our hearts swell. Their eyes are so clear and they remind us to see life with amazement and trust.
I am listening to “O What a Savior” (as performed by Larry Gatlin and Larry Ford on the Gaithers’ show “Precious Memories”). Some of the lyrics from the chorus: “His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven. He gave His life blood for even me.” What a wonderful reminder of the love that God has for us. Let’s face it. You don’t die for someone you don’t love.
Thanks, Pattie. That is a BEAUTIFUL reminder. What He endured for us–to show us His great love–should offer us reassurance each time we feel unlovable.
Hi Sharon, I know this is years late, but I am using “Mornings With Jesus 2014” that was in a box of books going to the prison in our valley where we volunteer in Christian ministry. Anyway, just want to thank all you ladies for you wonderful devotions. I use this book every day as part of my morning with Jesus! My sadness is that at the end of the year I’ll need another devotion book to keep me on God’s side! I’ll miss you all! You have certainly crammed a lot of living into your life which makes your writing deep, colorful and meaningful to those of us who have lived long enough to do the same! (A little by the way, you mention that you are fighting an illness. If you can, please let us know what it is and how we can pray for you. My daughter-in-law fights MS every day which is a life consuming event for all of us.) May our Lord guide you in all your ways & through all your days. Sydra
Hi, Sydra! Thanks so much for writing. I’m so glad that MWJ was a blessing to you. The authors who contribute are all such deep and heartfelt women, and I’m honored to be part of it. May I pray for your daughter-in-law? (Dear Lord, thank you for being our Healer…whether your timing is right now (which we’d prefer) or when you give us our wonderful new bodies in eternity. Thank you for the gift of doctors and treatments, but when they fall short, we thank you that ultimately it is YOU whom we trust, and YOU whom we look to for comfort and strength each day. Help Sydra’s d-i-l feel Your love surround her moment by moment. Grant patience and grace to all the family as they are constantly affected by it, too. Also, please bless Sydra’s important ministry to the prison, and draw many nearer to You. Amen. ) HUGS!
Oh my, thank you for such a personal reply. I’ve sent it on to Kim, to bless her day also. And may our Lord guide you through your day everyday. Living life in and with Him is so important and encourages us all the time. God bless your day with a good day, grace to keep you doing what you do so well.
God bless, Always in Him, Sydra