Blessings from Heaven

¹⁶In past generations he allowed all the nations to follow their own ways; ¹⁷yet he has not left himself without a witness in doing good—giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.’ ~ Acts 14:16-17 

Watching the skies turn a little darker this morning, with heavy clouds threatening rain in the distance, I am reminded that in the beautiful green of spring rain must fall.  Fields are beginning to show signs of new growth as the first of the corn plants are popping through the soil to show their little green leaves reaching toward the sky and the trees have uncoiled their leaves from their once tiny buds into great branches of shade for shelter from the impending heat of summer.  Do I enjoy rain during the day?  Only if I don’t have to be out in it.  I would prefer the rain fall when I am sleeping, so as to not interrupt my day by getting wet as I run from building to vehicle to building once again.  This is a bit selfish on my part, for the world does not revolve around me or what I think is the best schedule of weather events.  I have to live with whatever God has chosen to fill my day with and adjust accordingly. 

God has always been there – knowing what is best for us.  He provides food to nourish us and joy to fill our hearts.  We just have to be open to His will and His ways of providing these things in our lives.  We may not always like the way in which we are provided our needs, but God is there ready to give us everything we need at all times.  He provides jobs to allow some people to earn a living to purchase food and find satisfaction and joy in their lives.  He also provides others the ability to obtain food from pantries that are not as fortunate.  These less fortunate in the job market of today can also find joy in knowing that God loves them and is moving the hearts of others – through the joy of giving - to help make sure that they are also fed and cared for.  It may not be in the way that some would like to receive from God, but God still provides for them.  Sometimes we are allowed to serve others and then the tables turn and we must allow others to serve us.  We have to “swallow” our pride at times in order to receive the blessings God is giving us, but regardless, He is always there – providing for us through the generosity of others.  Are we open to all the ways God is providing for us? 

Prayer 

Heavenly Father, We thank You for all You have given us.  We may not always want to accept Your many gifts in the manner we must receive them, but help us to humble our hearts to accept all that You offer us in every way it is offered – through our own abilities that You have blessed us with as well as through the blessings of others willing to serve You by serving us in Christian love.  Help us to remember that we are all Your children and one family under You, so that it is easier to accept blessings from You through each of other.  Amen.

~ Wendy Miller