January 28, 2011

God's Gifts

Several years ago I read a book titled Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge.  To be honest, I don't remember most of it.  One part that has stuck with me is when Stasi mentioned how her husband went to have some alone time at the beach and he saw a bunch of dolphins.  He saw them as a gift from God, to encourage him and give him joy.  Stasi was a little upset because God never sent her dolphins.  She went to the beach for some alone time, hoping to see dolphins.  God didn't give her dolphins.  Instead, He gave her a beach full of starfish.  She writes that she felt incredibly loved (I may be paraphrasing here!) by the creator of the universe.

I remember not being sure how I felt about that.  Since then, I have had my own experiences.  There have been times when I've been struggling or unsure and there is something in creation, usually in the sky (for me) that reminds me of God, of His majesty, and that God is control. With it comes a sense of peace in my spirit.  Unexplainable, out of nowhere peace.  Peace that is beyond my understanding.

I remember driving to work one morning, wrestling with something I was going to have to deal with later that day and as I drove around a wide corner, a gorgeous sunrise was spread out before me.  Glorious pinks and purples.  It hadn't been there before and then suddenly it was.  I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation but I knew, without a doubt, that God put it there for me.  My spirit quieted and rejoiced and there was peace.

Or just a few months ago, I was freaking out about driving over the mountains.  It was overcast and I was so worried about snow.  I had been praying about this leg of the cross country trip for WEEKS.  It started to rain and even thought it was raining and overcast, there was a little patch blue with sunshine streaming through.  As we drove up and up and around curves, there was always a patch of blue.  I knew we were going to make it safely to the other side.  God held my hand as I drove over that mountain.  Once we were safely on the other side, the blue patch vanished.

Last night as I was hopping around the web I looked out over the sound and saw some very light pink patches from the setting sun.  We often get pretty sunsets and this one wasn't very distinctive.  I have a thing about the curtains being closed when it gets dark out (thanks mom) so I headed into our bedroom to close the curtains over our sliding door.  As I walked in the room, my breath was taken away by the incredible sunset that was taking place behind some towering pine trees.  The entire sky was lit up with radiant pinks and purples.  My spirit quieted and the anxious thoughts I've been wrestling with faded.  My God is in control.  He knows, better than I do, what I need and when I need it.  His timing is perfect.  He brought a pieces of my SSMT memory verse to mind...The Lord in the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth...his understanding no one can fathom.  Isaiah 40:28  I feasted my eyes for a little longer and then was distracted by the laundry that needed to go downstairs.  I switched out a load and when I came upstairs and looked out the window again, the sunset was gone.  The peace remained.


There are things that I want.  I kind of want them RIGHT NOW.  Last night God gently and lovingly reminded me that He is in control and that his timing is perfect.  My spirit is at peace.


What gifts has God given you that remind you of His Glory?

10 comments:

  1. While it may be obvious to others, I needed this post as a reminder to thank God when I see those beautiful gifts he brings us in this world. I needed to be reminded that simple things, like a beautiful sunset, are His work. Thank you for this post.

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  2. Thank you for this post... I have been struggling a lot with things I want/desire and often times forget that maybe God has other plans for me and maybe what I want just doesn't line up with what he's going to do for me. As I was reading your post I became a bit upset, wondering why doesn't God love me enough to give me experiences like this, then like a flash many of the gifts he has given me over my life and in my time of trouble came to mind and I immediately felt blessed and sad for forgetting his loving nature and failing to realize that what the world considers a "gift" is nothing compared to God's great gifts. I often struggle with letting God take the lead and handing the control over to him, your post has reminded me that I need to work in this more. Thank you again!

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  3. My husband and I are unlike *most* military couples because we were in no rush whatsoever to have kids. We knew military life is a hard enough adjustment as a couple and we had no plans to throw a child in the mix. Well, God had different plans. I now have "Little Miss" and I know God gave us this beautiful angel to help me get through this challenging life. Each day she gives me a reason to get out of bed, to get out of the house, to be happy! I know everyone says their child is a blessing and I agree 110%, but the timing of Little Miss's arrival came when we didn't realize we needed it!

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  4. i couldn't agree with you more. this perfect post describes exactly how i feel. the sky is it for me as well! i don't know how many times i feel in the rut and God speaks to me through these magnificent skies....truly powerful! that is a gorgeous view....i think as many beautiful sunsets we see here, i've never seen purples and pinks! gorgeous! xoxo

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  5. Oh missie, you are one of my greatest gifts from the Father!! You are so awesome and God is so good. It pleases me when you see what He has done for you and that you not only hear Him you listen too!! As I drive home from work and see the snow glistening on the pine trees it is truly awesome. I remember too all of His creatures especially when DT daily sits on my Bible when I'm trying to read it. I think he's trying to absorb some of what I'm reading. Enjoy the sunrises and sunsets in your life they are gifts from the One who Saved us.

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  6. What a lovely post. Your love for God is very evident ♥

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  7. I am always amazed the the Lord gives us what we need just when we need it. He is never early. Also - I love how you tell of these individual revelations of God's love. He knows what will speak to/reach each of us, doesn't he? Jesus knows me. This I LOVE. =)

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  8. Frank Lloyd Wright once said, "I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." I really enjoyed your post because of the images it paints and the truths it shares. I feel closest to God when I am in the outdoors. I feel His kiss from the wind or the raindrop on my cheek. I see His glory in the skies. I hear His voice in the ocean waves or calling of a bird. I feel His tenderness underneath my feet as I move through a forest. Peace, for you, peace for me, peace for all... as we rest in Him.

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  9. Enjoyed your story and reminder. I often look at a sunset and think it is just for me from God. Too often I am trying to run get my camera. I need to be still and enjoy the beauty.

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  10. Thank you for sharing these beautiful examples of God's nearness, and the beautiful pictures. I've had those kind of moments. There is nothing quite like it. I'm glad you shared.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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