“God spoke today in flowers and I, who was waiting on words, almost missed the conversation.” – Ingrid Goff-Maidoff
November is my favorite month of the year. Not only is it my birth month and houses my favorite season of the year, but it’s a time when all of America (a country that is dedicated to and driven by consumerism) stops and starts focusing on family and the blessings that surround them.
Last week, I wrote about words and the power of speaking gratitude & thanksgiving. While it’s essential to be grateful, it’s equally important to watch what we say and how we say it. It’s also crucial to take time to stop and thank God for all the things He has given us.
I once read about the idea of keeping a gratitude journal. I loved the idea, but then I realized that while I could do something like that, it didn’t fit who I was. So, I changed it a bit. I have a small notebook that I carry around. This is where I keep track of the things God says to me, the flowers he gives me instead of words. Sometimes it looks like a phrase, sometimes it’s just a quote that spoke to me, and other times it’s a way that I was blessed.
For example, one of my entries from last week reads, “Butternut Squash”. Now, before you start thinking that I’m putting any spiritual meaning to this, let me be clear – it was a physical butternut squash, and here is the story.
I got on the ferry one morning, which is how I commute to work, and as I was talking to the people at the table, one of them mentioned how he liked to have squash during the fall. Of course, then all I can think of is how Mom used to make acorn or butternut squash roasted with brown sugar and butter, so all I want is squash.
So, as I’m walking to work, I say, “Jesus, that squash sounds good. Maybe I’ll go to the store after.” In case you are wondering – yes, this is how I pray. It’s an ongoing conversation, and I tell him everything!
I didn’t think to text my husband and ask him to buy one; I got so busy at work that I totally forgot about it. In fact, I got so busy that I forgot to stop by the store on my way home, and I completely forgot that I had discussed it with Jesus that morning. I got all the way home, walked in the door, and my husband looked at me and said, “Someone gave me a butternut squash today. Will you eat that?” I couldn’t help but start laughing as I remembered talking to Jesus about it.
Luke 11:13 tells us, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Have you ever given someone a gift and watched them as they get excited by the anticipation of what it is? Or maybe you have a parent who gave you great gifts as a child. I got great gifts growing up, and this verse tells me that those gifts are nothing like what God gives.
The Bible also tells us (Matthew 6:26) that if he cares for the birds of the air, and they are less than us, he will care for us (his children). It’s important to remember that God cares for you; he doesn’t want you to live less than his best for you. He’s a rich and generous father who only wants to shower us with love.
I think it’s easy for us to forget all the things that he has done for us. It’s easy to take it for granted, see it as trivial or minor, or attribute the glory and gratitude to the person who is just a means of delivery. I know that I’ve been guilty of this as much as anyone. So, my question is: will we continue in this way? Will we continue to take for granted the blessings that God sends our way? Will we choose to remain blind to the flowers that God speaks through while we wait for words?
Whispers of Christ 