We did a birthday party for my son this last weekend. A bunch of his friends came over and did a Nerf gun war in the backyard in childhood bliss. I was talking with my son later that night and he totally shocked me by leaning over for a hug and saying, “Thanks for the fun party, Mom.” More often than not, my kids complain about what they don’t have rather than being thankful for what they do. And (who am I kidding here?) so do I. I want different or better or less or changed.I’ve had a couple of people recently who have referred to kind friends or sweet memories or ways God has protected them in the midst of rough things as “flowers" in their lives. It started me thinking about how often I complain about the weeds while there is an absolutely beautiful flower staring me in the face. My favorite thing to do on hikes or drives is to look for the flowers, and some of the most fun to find are the unexpected ones—the ones growing out of rocks, or hidden under an overgrown tree. But when it comes to life, I often forget those "flowers" and instead only see the bad, the frustrating and the ways I lack.I went to visit my friend and mentor Mike’s grave last year and wished I had brought flowers. But as I was turning to go, I spotted a bright yellow dandelion through the rainy cold and suddenly knew that was the one. I picked it and ran it back to the gravestone because Mike saw a flower in the weed of my life. He saw beauty in what most would have thrown out and forgotten, and in this way showed Jesus’ love for me.I want to be one who looks for flowers--for the beautiful, kind, refreshing and fun moments and people who are God’s gifts to me. I want to be thankful rather than complaining about what I don’t have and wished I did. I want to see the flower people who speak love into my life, and cherish them rather than taking them for granted. And I want to see the flower in others who may not see it yet—recognizing their true self in God’s eyes and allowing them safe space to find that out.What flowers do you have in your life today? It may look bleak and dark, but I bet you can find a couple if you really look. For me, these flowers are the reminders that Jesus is with me in this moment, that He hasn’t abandoned me and that He cares about me so much He is willing to provide small gifts to remind me. What beautiful grace is that?! I hope that His love so overflows me that it begins to remind others of their own status as flowers—gifts He has brought to encourage others.Will you choose to look past the weeds and find the flowers? Will you thank God for the flowers He has provided today for you? I really believe this perspective shift into thanksgiving does something amazing to our brains as we move into gratefulness rather than comparison and complaining. Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (TPT)
Recognizing the Flowers and Giving Thanks