Blizzards and Blessings

"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

The other day my husband and I decided to treat the boys (and ourselves) to some Dairy Queen. It was another triple-digit day here in Phoenix and we needed some relief. What better way to cool down than a Dairy Queen Blizzard? I personally can't think of anything.

We finished up our cold treat and headed for the door to leave. When we reached the exit, we crossed paths with a sweet woman who immediately shrieked in delight when she laid her eyes on the boys. After loving on them for a bit, she turned to me asking me if she could rub my pregnant belly as she simultaneously swooped in.

Belly rubs from strangers are generally a no from me but as she gently rubbed on my belly praising God for the blessing that was growing inside, I couldn't help but wonder if God had sent this sweet woman to us to remind us of how blessed we are. Just the sight of our boys brought her so much joy. She thanked God for them over and over, sharing with us that she personally prays and asks God to bless her with her own sons someday.

After a few minutes, it was time for us to load the boys into the car. As we headed out toward the parking lot, she sent us off with one last message, "This is the glory of God that you have been praying for! You are living it! You are so blessed!"

When we got everyone settled into the car, my husband and I turned toward one another both thinking the same thing - this encounter was not a coincidence.

God wanted us to change our perspective. With so much on our plate, so many unknowns, so many things to potentially worry about, we had lost focus on what is truly important. Our attention, energy and even our prayers had shifted solely on the daily grind, the errands, the to-do lists, the mounting bills and expenses, car troubles, the need for provision, for direction, and on and on...

In the few short minutes that we spent in this woman's presence, she shifted our focus from all of our perceived needs, wants, messes and mountains to what truly matters - our beautiful, healthy, happy boys. My worries shifted to gratitude as I thought about the little gifts sitting in our backseat and the little one growing in my belly that we will soon meet.

For the next couple of days, that interaction was heavy on my heart and in my spirit. The boys are still so young that the small things, like a trip to Dairy Queen for a cold treat or The Dollar Store for water guns, brings them so much joy. They do not have financial worries, anxiety about how this will work out or how that will work out. They live in the moment, confidently trusting in us to take care of all of their needs and every once in a while surprise them with an unexpected blessing while enjoying all of the little joys in life that most grownups no longer recognize or acknowledge.

I couldn't help but think that is how God wants us to approach each day, living and appreciating the moments, counting on Him to provide and bless us.

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14

With Love and Gratitude,

Stacey