God is so good
On January 11, 2014, I woke up and did the usual things I usually do on a Saturday morning when hubby isn't home. I know that because this is what I wrote on that day.
“I got out of bed, used the restroom, peeked on the kids, checked my phone to see if I missed any essential texts, and got back to bed, ready to spend time with God. I picked up my iPod, where I have my Bible App, became distracted by skimming through my emails and comments people gave me on Facebook for whatever picture or stuff I posted. I read a small devotional from a spiritual book. As I sat there, I realized something was missing. I wasn't engaging in my time with God. I wanted to, but I was having a hard time focusing. I got up, got dressed, and went on a long walk. Outside was drizzling rain, I usually would say forget it, but I felt the urge to go for a walk.
I started to walk; my pace was slow, my mind was still. I decided to not force my thoughts but just walk and see what happens. I found myself thinking of nothing, just enjoying the scenery. I felt the rain fall on me, noticed the wet grass, and gazed at every stream of water I walked by. They looked like miniature waterfalls that were created in the ground. Then I felt inspired to pray. So I did. I began to force the words of my mouth. It went something like this: "God, I ask for help for my friend. I ask for help in sharing my faith more. Help me to be a better mother. God, you are so awesome. Thanks for loving me." I was forcing my prayer, so I stopped praying and decided to sing out loud.
The first song, "God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, he is so good to me." And then it hit me, there is nothing wrong, yes, I have things to work on in my character that are ongoing, but for the most part, there is nothing heavy I am dealing with. It was an unusual feeling.
Immediately the words of Ecclesiastes 7:14 echoed in my spirit: "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about his or her future.” Ecclesiastes 7:14. For the first time on an emotional and mental level, I understood why God says in His Word, when times are good to be happy."
As I read over these thoughts I wrote six years ago, I am moved in my heart. A smile appears on my face as I imagine myself on that day, and I am reminded that yes, God is good. He is so good to me. Perhaps it was that moment that I learned to give myself permission to soak in the happy times.
In the past six years, my life on so many levels can be described as unpredictable. Despite that, I can say with confidence, God is so good to me. I have learned to stop and enjoy the little things that make me happy. Even right now, as I am literally writing the word happy, my husband opens the mail and in the box was the canvas I ordered for my home office as I embark on my new journey of officially having a coaching practice. It says: "Always believe something wonderful is about to happen."
I wasn't expecting it to arrive today, but it's so fitting for this what I am reflecting on right now. As always God's timing is perfect!