you know, sometimes, its just too easy to forget the things God has shown me in the light. sister gently reminded me today to go back and read my last post. so, I did. and, I was yet again, reminded of things Jesus has promised me. His care for me, His love for me, His patience with me as I stumble, get back up, discover new things. its easy when you're walking in the dark, to forget the truth that was given in the light.
this past week hasn't been easy to say the least. so, in the middle of the darkness, sister has yet again come to my rescue, and asked the Father for hugs along the way. and, He has answered.
a few days ago, I was sitting down to lunch, waiting for a friend when the waiter approached. me, being on the verge of tears, hardly wanted to look at him, unsure what exactly what was showing on my face. as he came up, he asked very gently and sweetly, if there was anything he could bring me. it was simple, probably unnoticeable to anyone else...but I noticed. God hugged me in that moment of care and concern.
a day later, as I was debating a trip to Haines with the girls, checking prices and determining it was most certainly outside my budget...they both chipped in and helped get my ticket so I could get out of town and rest my over-thinking. again, God hugged me, through my friends, through generosity, through kindness, through the gift of making me laugh a lot, through listening ears and shoulders to cry on. I have amazing friends!
once in Haines, I got to meet up with my good friends Jason and Naomi and was sharing with them the ways God had been hugging me. a little while later, Jason pulled a bottle of white wine out of his bag and said, "I brought a little gift for you, Kris..." wondering why in the world he had brought me wine, I looked closer and noticed it had my name on it, spelled correctly?! yet another gift that that reminded me how much my Father loves me, through a friend reaching out in one of my love languages and giving me a "hug". through a simple, thoughtful, unique and sweet gift.
a few days later, Naomi came and gave me a hug, telling me she really wanted to give me a card to express her heart and love for me, but since she couldn't find the right one, she told me in person how much she loved me, that she was praying for me, encouraged my heart and then handed me some hand-made, glass earrings...loved, loved, loved.
these are unique, they're my hugs from God, they're special...they may not make sense to you, whoever you are reading this. but, what are the gifts God has been giving you? what are the hugs, reminding you how special you are? what are the ways He is prompting you and saying, "I've created you so I can love you, care for you, and surround you with others that I love...you ARE blessed." how is He calling you to love those around you, to be that caring shoulder, to give a small, sentimental gift that means the world, to smile at someone walking by who you have no idea what they may be going through...how can you let Jesus love someone through you today?
I'm far from there, I have much to learn, my heart needs further healing and restoration. but, in the middle of all of this, I never want to forget and be grateful for the ways the Father is loving me and holding me. after all, if I can soak in that, what else really matters??
