IN ARM'S REACH

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. ”—Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), novelist (http://www.forbetterlife.org/)

There it was, plump and waddling around my front yard in plain sight. I glanced at it as I ran towards my car in a dash for my morning commute. I commented to myself that that seemed odd that normally when you approach a bird; it flutters away quickly -but not this little creature. Instead it reminded me of a toddler amiably moving around with no real destination, just glad to be moving, delighted with its new found freedom ,walking and stumbling with out the assistance of an eagle eye parent.

Then when I returned home, I noticed again the same little chick hopping around on the bricks. It wasn’t until the very next day that as I walked once again down my driveway to jump in my parked car that I glanced at the bird and then it occurred to me this was our baby-I was sure of it. As my husband stood in the doorway I called back, “Hey that’s our baby bird!” Several days prior to that I hadn’t really grasped that this was really a gift from God-in arm’s length!
As I reflect back, first it was the discovery of the beautiful Robin’s eggs displayed in the nest in our backyard-but now this was even better-the eggs had hatched and the dream, the long awaited arrival of the chicks had occurred and I had been totally oblivious of their birth and this divine wonder-well almost.

It’s no happen stance that today’s inspirational quote would tug on my heart strings and remain etched in my memory. As I read Exodus 17 and could picture the travelers weary and grumbling, Louise May Alcott’s words must have mirrored the sentiment of Moses. to look up and live, instead of looking out and grumbling.

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. ”
—Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), novelist (http://www.forbetterlife.org/)

Often I too have been guilty of being oblivious of many of life’s lessons until well after the situation had concluded and the smoke cleared. I regret not embracing the gift of God’s grace (more) readily and honestly appreciating the (particular) trial, the (uninvited) circumstance, the(embarrassing) difficulty, the (long awaited and timely) blessing, the (tough) learning experience-whatever you wish to call it more sooner than later.

What might have happened had I been appreciative of the learning experience in the midst of it all? This must be what folks mean when they say; we should thank God while we are “going through” being pulled and shaped on the potter’s wheel during our uncomfortable valley experiences!

Be assured that we are all experts about trials, but I’d like to think that God wants us to be cognizant on this day-that so many gifts from God/blessings are in our midst, yes, right there before us! Theses blessings are like my baby chick –visible- and in arms reach, in direct view. I am sure that the Holy Spirit is sharing that with our new mind set we’ll negate our obstructed view and won’t loose sight of the divine gift that is presented to us.

I think you’ll agree that when the truth is told, we’re audibly or inaudibly caught up in our grumbling, sulking, hurting, rushing and consequently we fail to appreciate the beauty of the moment. Do you recall my bird’s nest in Expectant Joy? Well, I really appreciated the gift of the bird’s nest that was so symbolic for me. It represented so much: birth, new beginnings, expectant joy, blessings on the way, the good that was on the horizon, God’s gift’s and promises to come and on and on-but then even with that epiphany I missed it!

Yes, I needed to believe-get my faith in gear and mentally grasp the next level! What might that be you ask? I am glad you asked I believe the answer is: That God really had intended that my joy and yours evolve and spill over into something greater and erupt into our paying attention to all the blessings which are in arm's reach!!

Did I really think that I‘d behold the blessings in my own front yard? Nope! I almost missed that wonder.

Take some time and read Exodus 17, I expect that you’ll appreciate your wilderness experiences all the more and like Moses acknowledge God’s provision of resources, support and favor designed especially for the faint of heart and the weary traveler.

So, friends look outside your tents, go on and pull back your curtains, better yet stand in your front yards and behold what blessings are in your arm's reach!!! Have a wonderful day!

I will meet you by the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and the water will come pouring out. then the people will be able to drink.” Moses did just as he was told;and as the leaders looked on water gushed out.” Exodus 17:6 (NLT)

Joyfully Submitted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

Enjoy other writings Click on Blessed Chronicles

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/