Thursday, March 11, 2010

Thankful Thursday

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Last Thursday, I came home from work to find a rather large plain brown box on our porch. I knew I had not ordered anything through the mail, so I assumed that it was a package for Rob's business.

It wasn't.

It was for me. Tee hee.

Because I had no idea what it was or where it had come from, there was an added sense of jubilation as I pulled a knife through the packing tape and exposed a white box emblazoned with the Vera Bradley logo. My sense of excitement rose and I opened the interior box to reveal this:

Springlike and perfectly me, I was completely surprised by this amazing act of kindness. There was a level of sheer exhilaration NOT knowing who had bestowed this precious gift on me.

Thankful for the bag? Yes.

Thankful for the energy, effort and obedience of the person who blessed me? OH YES!

I am beyond grateful for this super sweet bag of generosity. I have since discovered where the bag came from and it is no surprise to me at all who was responsible for this serendipitous surprise. I love her dearly and will never forget how God used her generous spirit to encourage and bless my heart. Her shining example, I pray, will be paid forward as all of us seek to serve others in the purest ways.

The story doesn't end there.

Nope.

I went to the mailbox several days later only to find a plain manilla envelope. Ripping the newest treasure open I discovered notecards, post-its, shopping lists, a plethora of writing paraphenelia. Yippee! Just two weeks earlier, I had purchased similar writing supplies for each of the girls' teachers. As I gazed at the gifts I had chosen for the teachers, I acknowledged, in my head, that I would love to have those initial notecards and accessories also. It was a silent prayer and I knew God was ushering me away from that aisle, as not to tempt me to spend unnecessary funds. I am so thankful my heart was poised for obedience. The same benefactor had again surprised me, responding to the gentle whisper on her heart. This makes me more than thankful.



This is Sienna. Isn't she beautiful??? Sienna stirs in my soul the same feelings that brought our family to adoption the first time. I used to say our family was complete. And it very well may be. But, if another door were to be opened, I have begun to accept that our family would openly pray about it. Sienna's family, who brought their youngest daughter, Ruby, home just after Hannah returned today on an expedited visa with their newest family member! They are HOME! It is most definitely reason to be thankful!

Several dear friends have had intense medical issues to contend with this week. One of which, her son had an unfortunate encounter with a baseball bat to his orbital cavity. God's perfect provision is apparent as his injuries were minimal and he is doing great! This makes me thankful.

Another friend, the benefactor friend, I continue to stand at her side (from many many miles away) as she hopes for the best with her daddy who experienced a major medical trauma Wednesday. I am so hopeful for his complete recovery and know how desperately she wishes she was there to help her parents. It makes me thankful I can pray.

Yet another friend is embarking on her first cancer fundraiser to support breast cancer and honor her mother, who is currently undergoing treatment. I am thankful for her focus, drive and tenacity in remaining true to a dream she and her sisters have to bring glory to God, while helping their sweet mom.



Finally, I am thankful for grace. Our pastor spoke beautifully on mercy and grace this week.

If I am being honest, sometimes I don't get it.

And many times, I live it all wrong.

There is no license to sin, but there is the promise of grace and for all the times that our heavenly Father, a friend or a loved one has extended this unwarranted gift to me, I am grateful.

What are you thankful for today?

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Heather, I believe I know the beautiful friend behind your perfectly suited bag for you! How precious and wonderfully given by our Father who knows the treasures of our hearts!

I'm touched to read your update and will be praying for you on a future adoption!

God's grace and mercy blow me away each and every day! I'm not sure I will ever truly understand it! I'm just thankful beyond words for it and His unending love!

Blessings and love,
Jill

3 Peanuts said...

What a beautiful bag. You deserve the kind generosity of other s you are always showing it to us!!! SO glad some of your friends surprised you.

Yes, Sienna and her family are so inspiring. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that they have made my heart stir about adopting again. I will pray the Lord leads you exactly where you are meant to be on that.

Have a glorious weekend. Love your grace-filled post.

Jboo said...

Heather -- I always love your posts! You write so eloquently and always make me think -- which is definitely a good thing. The bag is so lovely - perfect for you.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Janet

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

You are such a wonderful person and friend to everyone.....and always inspire me to stop and think about things.

What a beautiful post.....it doesn't surprise me that sweet Lisa sent you this wonderful suprise. You both remind me of each other in so many ways......such warm, kind, caring souls!!

Follow your heart...and listen to what he is telling you. You never know what the future holds.

xoxo,

Lisa

Jewels of My Heart said...

What wonderful and thoughtful gifts... I know they touched your heart.
I am so thankful Sienna is home safely with her family. And I will lift your family up in prayer. I'm thinkin' you have another precious child waiting for you somewhere in the world... how could you not when there are over 147 million orphans in the world.
I hope your friends are better and will pray for God's healing for them.
Love you and God bless you,
Daleea

The Byrd's Nest said...

That is a perfect bag and just what you needed to brighten your day and welcome Spring into your life! So that is what I am thankful for...friends...sisters...who love on us and take care of us. I am in tears each time we open a box here because of just what you said:) After all, I had a special friend send my girls a box here too...with Barbie's...who would have known my little Emma Jane would come to love Barbie's so much....you touched her life. You are a blessing to all of us.

Praying for little Sienna.

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