Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Dance in the Rain



     I was reminded today of something I use to run out to do everytime it rained.  I used to dance and play in the rain.  As I grew up I did this less and less.  Then I had children.  I taught them to dance in the rain.  Those children are now teenagers and we have only played in the rain once in the past few years.  Why is that?  Are we too busy going about our day to day lives?  This was something that was sweet and simple to do and brought us all so much joy.  Do you remember dancing or playing in the rain when you where younger?  It is pure enjoyment isn't it?
     Often there are times in our lives that are so stormy and all we can do is our best to get through the storms.  We are so busy focusing on the preverbial thunder and lightning and the what ifs that we forget each precious rain drop that makes up the storm.  You see it is through trials and tribulations that we often learn some of life's greatest lessons.  Or we often receive some of our greatest blessings.
      Each storm we face has a lesson to be learned.  There are times we can't see passed all the heart ache, pain and grief we are facing.  The Lord is in each and everyone of these storms.  He is right there with you. He knows your heart and exactly what you need. I testify to you even though you can't see him and there may times you can't feel him.  He is there.  In every precious rain drop and/or tear drop he is there.
      If we approach these storms in our lives as we faced storms as children wouldn't life be a little simpler?  Yes, the storms would still exist but something would change with in us.  We would once again find a simple child like joy .  We would turn some of the roughest storms into something of beauty.  For we would seek out the joy of them.      
      I would like to challenge each of you to do two things.
              1.  The next time it rains, kick off your shoes , grab your kids or your spouse or friend and go out and dance and play in the rain.  Lean your head back and feel the rain drops on your face.  I gurantee you will smile and so will those you are with.  The Lord's love is in the raindrops.
               2.  The next time you are faced with an emotional storm in your life I want you to close your eyes.  I want you to picture yourself dancing and playing in the rain.  No, this will not make the storm pass.  It will help you remember however a simple moment of precious joy.

     

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Seeing the Beauty in My Imperfections



Last April I was given the opportunity to look at this Scentsy warmer for the very first time while I was on a trip to Meridian, Idaho. Aka Scentsy birthplace.  I was asked to reflect on it and Motherhood. As I stared at this beautiful warmer tears began to flow from my eyes.  Not the sweet gentle tears, I went into the full boo hooing tears.  As I looked at this beautiful hand blown glass I saw a ton of imperfections.  They where beautiful and enhanced by the light that shown from within.  I began to reflect on Mother hood.  I often feel so imperfect as a Mother.  Basically like every day there are things in my life as a Mother that I feel I could do better.  I have made mistakes along the way.  I am truely imperfect. As I gazed at this piece of glass I began to think . It is like me full of imperfections.  However, look how beautiful it is and look how the light shines so beautifully through it.  That is just like me.  The light of my motherly love is perfect and shines through all my imperfections.  This warmer would not be as beautiful if it was smooth glass.  The imperfections are what make it beautiful and unique.  Im sure no two are alike.  Just like no two Mothers are alike.  Yes, we are all full of imperfections and that is ok.  The true light of our love shines through and shows the beauty of every flaw and imperfection.  I want to challenge every one of you Mothers out there to not be so harsh on your self.  You are beautiful just the way you are.  Imperfections and all.  Let the light of your love shine through you and light up those imperfections because it is with in those imperfections that your true beauty lies!