Everyday Blessings

The Lord surprised me recently with some special blessings. I love to eat oranges; however they have been very expensive so I had not purchased any. I desired some for Christmas, but did not feel I could buy more than four. Just days before the holiday, oranges went on sale at the local grocery store. If you bought a five pound bag you received an additional bag free. I was overjoyed. What a blessing.

A day or two after acquiring my ten pounds of oranges, I visited with a friend and we exchanged gifts. As I was leaving she gave me another five pound bag of this delicious fruit. God's threefold blessing overwhelmed me. He cared about my desire for oranges and even multiplied it.

On Christmas Eve my husband, two sons and I celebrated with a traditional family meal. As we enjoyed snacks I realized that I had forgotten to purchase one of my personal favorites - peanut brittle. Funds were tight so I cut back on some of the extras. Christmas morning I opened a gift from a lady that faithfully attends a Bible study I lead. Much to my surprise in a basket of various goodies, there was a small bag of peanut brittle. I felt touched by God's special blessings and knew He loved me.

Several days after Christmas we visited my in-laws and exchanged gifts. I smiled when my husband opened a gift from them that had a book in it. I had recently told God that I really would like to have this same book. I could not help but share with my husband and sons how God had blessed me. This was beginning to be a wonderful adventure and I could not wait to see what other great things God was going to bring into my life.

I had several weeks in December when it was very evident that God was with me and cared about the little things in my life. Then January hit and I was overwhelmed when we had more bills to pay than money in our bank account. I begged the Lord to intervene. I prayed one of those prayers that go like this: "Lord, I know that we are not always the best stewards of what you have given us, but could you please intervene in this situation? Don't you care about us?" Of course I knew He did, I just did not feel it at the moment. I knew He loved me, but I saw no possible way that this situation would work.

As my husband and I started setting up for what bills we could pay, the Lord suddenly reminded me of something that I had forgotten. During the month of January my husband would have four high school swim meets to officiate and would be paid. The amount received would more than cover what was needed. Oh me of little faith.

How easy it is to believe when I see, not so simple when the way is veiled. God's love for me had not changed over the weeks. I felt loved and cared for in a special way when God surprised me with unexpected blessings. When situations happened that caused stress and worry it did not mean that His love for me had diminished.

The more I think about blessing from God, I realize that they are not few and far between. Every day I have glimpses of God's goodness and love. I just need to learn to recognize them. These blessings can be observed in the playful antics of a puppy, the blush of a newlywed, the smile on a baby's face, the cheerful obedience of a child, or the abundance of oranges.