Share Your Story

Deb from Tennessee writes:

My three young boys had gathered at the breakfast table with the expectation of finding little glasses poured with their favorite juice, and cereal in the yellow "smiley" bowls. This day was like countless others. Sleepy-eyed children were given orders to find their coats and mittens, get their lunch money from the counter, and put their library books in their backpacks.

Mornings at our house were similar to many young families--a flurry of routine chores, a race against the A.M. clock, and a list of activities to organize and oversee. All of this was to be completed before lunch. Add to that pile of things the snow removal that needed to be done before I can be treated to my morning coffee.

The pity party was underway. I sat at the table peering out through the frosted glass on the patio door. The snow stood so deep that any chance of getting outside before summer looked slim. Eight months earlier our family had moved to this little town in West Central Wisconsin. Settling into a new home was exciting at first. Making newfriends seemed to give my days significance. However in this long stretch of winter, I began to miss the familiar things.

For several years I had tended to a tulip bed along the back side of my old house. Although I was not an avid gardener, I loved flowers. Each year I would plant yellowtulip bulbs, and separate them for additional plantings the next season. This year I would not have tulips for myself. Someone else would be surprised and blessed in the spring with my efforts. As I continued to ponder what all I had given up to move here, I was suddenly moved to quietly bow my head. I thank God for the simple joys He had given me.

The list of "do" began to posses my thoughts again. I left the house discouraged and tired. My value seemed to be measured in how much I could manage and achieve in aday. Three hours later I returned home, with everything scratched off the memo pad that needed to be done. As I entered the kitchen door tethered with plastic grocerybags, I noticed something bright yet unfamiliar on my table. I was a beautiful pot of tulips! Yellow tulips!! They sat squarely in the center of our family's dining roomtable. My mind was racing...what is this? Lying next to the flowers on the table was a small handwritten note. It simply said, "I saw these in a greenhouse this morning. God had laid your name on my heart and I pray that you have a wonderful day." Lisa

I was suddenly overcome by a humbling spirit. God had heard my heart and understood the simple desire of being reunited with the things I missed. There was nolonger a doubt that my loving Father would provide the important things, after such a precious display of answering a small silent prayer. God also introduced to me a new and dear friend Lisa that day. For 15 years we had laughed, praised and prayed together. Her response to God and listening to His voice in the greenhouse was apowerful witness to me. I am reminded of that faithfulness in each prayer I direct to heaven. My hope is to walk in God's grace each day and to let the tulips remind me of His awesome and personal display of love to me.