My morning miracle was that I was able to garden for one uninterrupted hour. No rain or boys came to disrupt my raking, pulling and moving weeds and other debris from the flower beds. The morning was crisp, even with a looming overcast sky; I cleared five beds and junk from my head, like I can’t immediately tell this woman who has been trying to be my friend for two years that I don’t reciprocate because I hate her haughtiness. I have to wait, I heard God say, to build a rapport with her and then tell her. I have to endure her gloating about her role in people’s lives, suck up my own pride to just listen. I can’t be bold or she might just turn cold toward me and ignore any suggestion of humility. I shook my head, continued to clear flower beds to see this year’s growth in full view: pure green beauty. This is God.

He comes into our untended places, dead spaces overgrown with life weeds of doubt, debt, divorce, despair. He repairs our brokenness in His time. God sees our issues, yet still chooses to use us, but wants us fully seen to show off the full scene of His glory. He may wait for the weather in our life to be right, to help us when we can handle it and not retreat from Him. Yes, God knows how to bring out beauty from brokenness, to resurrect our lives if we let him rake, pull and move the dead stuff. Jesus Christ is risen and I thank and honor Him for His resurrection power today as much as the designated date. He is always worthy of my praise.

How has God resurrected you from the dead places in your life?

My One Thousand Gifts List

#21-30
Getting loads of laundry folded and put away
Nate not whining when he woke up
Nate staying dry throughout the night
Sending an email to someone I feared would reject my request
Eating three pieces of fruit before noon
Completed puzzle with Nate without yelling at him a lot
Money to go to the chiropractor
A snow day
A spontaneous family night
Finishing quiet time before Justus woke up

Copyright 2011 by Rhonda J. Smith