So, when the boys and I piled up in the car that same evening headed to their Wednesday night activities at church, and the car wouldn't start, I was very surprised (and disappointed) by my reaction.
I immediately felt so frustrated! We have had a really difficult year, both financially and physically, and for the most part, I have had a great attitude. But when my car would not start Wednesday, I just lost it.
Go figure.
I called Shannon (who was on his way home from work) to tell him about the car, and bless his heart, he said he would take the boys to church when he got home. He even called back and said, "Why don't you go with me. Just put our dinner on some plates, and we can have a 'picnic' while the boys are in church. I'll even treat you to a Starbucks."
Sigh.
While we waited for Shannon to get home, I had Daniel go get the mail, and I called my mom. I started just crying as I talked to her. I just felt so overwhelmed with all of the events from this past year, not to mention the bills from my surgery, Allie being sick, inflation, etc., so my car not starting was just the straw that broke the camel's back. As I was talking to my mom though....I saw that I had received a letter from my sweet bloggy friend, Paula.
When I opened it, I just started bawling. (Sorry, Mom!)
I was so blown away by Paula's thoughtfulness to me and God's constant goodness. He continues to comfort and bless me even when I am so frustrated with Him.
I had read Paula's post on November 8th titled "Hope Restored." Click here to read Paula's encouraging words. I left her a comment on that post and told her that I was going to write down all of the Scriptures that she had shared in her post. And I did; I wrote each of them down on a piece of paper to keep in my daily calendar.
Anyway, as I was reading her card to me, tears were pouring down my face. She had made me a magnet that had each of those verses on it. She even used some fall leaves from her own yard to decorate the magnet. Take a look.
Isn't it beautiful? Isn't Paula beautiful?
I cannot begin to tell you how Paula's thoughtfulness touched me. There I was feeling so overwhelmed about something as silly as my car not starting, while at the same time the Lord of all Creation was still trying to speak to me and comfort me through the thoughtfulness of this precious woman.
Well, I don't have to tell you, my perspective was immediately changed.
Shannon got home, and we took the boys to church. They even arrived on time. We had our romantic picnic in the car (because the rain was still pouring down outside).
And just like he promised, after our picnic, my sweet husband took me to Starbucks, so we could each get a coffee and read our books while we waited.
Here we are at Starbucks....
My sweet hubby.....
Me.....
And Scarlet......;)
We all three had such a lovely evening.
Paula, if you are reading this, thank you, my sweet friend. Your magnet is now on my refrigerator as a constant reminder for me to be still and wait on our Lord, and it is also a reminder of your thoughtfulness to me. You are a special lady, Paula, and I am blessed to call you friend.
My cup runneth over with thankfulness.
And for those of you reading this post today, here are the verses that God led Paula to share with me. I pray that they will bless you like they have blessed me.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14a
Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7
Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Psalm 28:7a
You will seek Me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
The Lord is good to those who wait on Him, to the soul who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:25
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your constant love and goodness to me. I am not deserving of either, but you lavish me with Your love and goodness anyway. And for that, Lord, I am truly thankful.
With a humble heart I say these words in Christ's sweet name.
Amen.
