Friday, January 18, 2008

Daisies in the Valley

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17, NIV)

About a year or so ago the small group (Bible study group) I was in was talking about going through hard times. One of the comments everyone agreed with was that sometimes you just need to see a little ray of hope to keep going. When there is something tangible, even the tiniest of things can become such a great source of hope and encouragement. My friend, who ironically has the exact same name as me, said that whenever life seems to be pressing in on her and she finds herself getting discouraged, she asks God to give her one little "daisy in the valley"... something that shows her that He is there, that He cares for her, that He's got it all under control, that she is loved. She said that He has never failed to answer her prayer.

I liked what she said and have found myself using that from time to time when I am feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. God our Father encourages us as His children to approach His throne with confidence. He loves us and it gives Him great pleasure to show us His love. Every good and perfect gift is from Him! Sometimes my "daisies" are small ... like an unexpected phone call, or a rebate in the mail, or someone calling out of the blue to watch my kids so that I can have a little alone-time. Sometimes my daisies come in big bouquets... like when an anonymous person gave me the exact amount of money I needed for my business laptop (and they had no way of knowing that!).

God must have a huge smile on His face each time He sends a "daisy" our way.

I know there are times that He wants to use us to send a daisy to someone else.

I don't know where you are emotionally and spiritually today. Perhaps today is a day that you are really in need of a daisy in the valley. Spend time with God and open your heart to Him. Then watch Him answer. The "daisy" will always be unexpected, but it will come because He longs to give us hope.

Or perhaps today life is good for you and you can look for ways to give a "daisy" to someone else. It doesn't have to be big to be meaningful and to put hope in someone's day. It could be a random act of kindness.... pay for the bill of the person behind you in the drive-thru, put your neighbor's trash cans out on the street for pick-up day, help a mother with small children get her groceries out to the car. Or it could be something more personal for someone you know... take a meal to someone who's sick, send a card or an email, make a call, surprise your stressed-out friend with a latte.

Our Father loves to give gifts to His children. We, His daughters, are made in His image. Let's be gift-givers too!