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Consider the lilies how they grow:
they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you
that Solomon is all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Luke 12:27
Over the years, Will has planted well over one hundred species of flowering plants in our yard. Each one is gorgeous in its own right. Mix them together and the fragrance and colors become a spectacular kaleidoscope for the senses.
Standing on our deck the massive explosion of color makes it difficult to distinguish each bud. Once I step off our deck and walk among the blooms, I can begin to appreciate each flower on its own. Little secrets begin to be revealed. I am able to see the intricate patterns of each one.
Each flower has an aroma unique to that particular species. Burying my nose in a Shasta daisy, I am startled by it’s pungent smell. Breathing in the scent of a freesia delivers a more pleasant result to my nose. Still others have no detectable fragrance.
The mammoth hibiscus bloom, measuring ten inches across, lasts only one day. The yarrow on the other hand can last a month, it’s brilliant reds and purples slowly fading to white. Pansies are the only blooms in our landscape hardy enough to withstand the winter’s chill. They can be covered in a blanket of snow, yet emerge vibrant and perky when the cold abates.
Only by examining closely am I able to truly treasure each bloom. The overall view of the garden is grand, but I cannot forget it is made up of thousands of individual blooms.
Family is the same way. Each child, “each bloom” needs to be individually recognized and specially nurtured. The fertilizer I can pour on one generously may cause another one to go into shock. Some flowers love full sun, while others require shade. Each is unique.
Having then differing gifts
according to the grace that is given to us
Romans 12:6a
Every child has it’s own traits and talents that makes him or her an original. By patiently studying and experimenting, we find these special gifts. Pray for your child to hear directly from the Lord about the calling He has put on his or her life. Reaching in, we can encourage them see those strengths and gifts the Lord has given them. Some children recognize easily what their hidden treasures are, while others need support drawing their gifts to light.
Watch your child. Take note of their favorite pastimes. Do they show an interest in art, music, math, science, theater, words or something else? Do they posses the knack to encourage others? Perhaps organization is their strong suite? Maybe your child cries out indignantly against injustice. Whatever their special interest or passion is, you will quickly discover it after a short period of observation.
Next, begin pointing out to them their gifts. Start cheerleading your child to develop and use those gifts for the Lord. Small steps are key steps. Each time they use those gifts it builds strength and confidence. Even if there are flops, continue to encourage them. God has a plan for your child’s future and their God-given gifts will be a large part of that plan.
This section here tells about the initial days that my husband’s girls came to live with us. (At that time they were my husband’s girls–now they are my daughters.)
Blessing and Responsibility
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him that endureth such
contradiction of sinners against himself,
lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Hebrews 12:2,3
My pastor is a very wise and discerning man. He always seems to know what concerns are in my heart. He knew I was nervous about bringing new children into our home. He also knew I felt overwhelmed by this task that would take a lifetime. The day Will was to arrive with the girls, Pastor wrapped his arm around my shoulder and encouraged me,
“ You have received an awesome blessing.”
I hadn’t been able to see it from that side. The word ‘responsibility’ loomed so monumental in my mind, I’d forgotten God was blessing me. He was trusting me with three of His most prized possessions. Pastor Wilber didn’t neglect to exhort me on that end of things. He frequently told me directly or through his sermons, “God qualifies whom he calls.” I held onto those words. I knew that God would sustain me.
I began searching God’s Word for direction and encouragement. I found myself relating to Moses and Gideon. Both of them also felt under qualified when the Lord handed them a job to do.
God commanded Moses to make the voyage back to Egypt and lead the Hebrews from captivity. This required Moses to return to the region he had fled from years earlier. God was asking him to be a motivational speaker. Moses lacked confidence, so he begged God to send someone else. Seeing beyond Moses’ speech impediment and into his heart, God encourages him.
The Lord said to him [Moses], “Who gave man his mouth?
Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind?
Is it not I, the Lord?
Now go; I will help you
speak and teach you what to say.”
But Moses said “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
Exodus 4:11-13
Gideon lived in a time when Israel was being bullied by the Midianites. The Lord came to Gideon as he was threshing wheat. He explained to Gideon that he could bring rest back to Israel. Gideon, being of the smallest tribe, felt there was no way he could be a warrior. He could not understand how he could possibly lead this battle against the powerful Midians. He repeatedly questioned God.
The Lord turned to him [Gideon] and said,
“ Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand.
Am I not sending you?
“But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel?
My clan is the weakest in Mannasseh,
and I am the least in my family.”
Judges 6:14,15
Both men felt God was calling them to a task they knew very little about. I understood the anxiety they expressed in asking the Lord for a reprieve on their assignments. God, however, did not give in. Instead He scolded them by reminding them it was Jehovah, Lord of all creation, who was sending them.
God will stretch you just as far as He can. He will never put you into battle to face it alone. If He is sending you to do a job, and you dedicate your efforts to His glory, you will get it done.
I often think of how Jesus spoke to his disciples, instructing them, “ Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.” (Luke 8:22b) Keep in mind, these were tough men. Some had fished most of their lives. Soon a storm arose and water began pouring into the boat. These well-rehearsed men first responded with the tactics they had depended upon in the past. But when the waters continue to fill the boat, they panicked. In the frenzy, they forgot the words Jesus spoke. (He had told them they were going to the other side.)
Jesus didn’t say, “Let’s get in the boat and go until the water gets rough.” No, He let them know they are going to the other side. Jesus knew the boat would make it. He also knew the storm would come to test the faith of the men in the boat.
Jesus is speaking the same words to you today. He won’t leave you drowning in the middle of raging waters. He is right there bolstering your courage, “We’re going to make it to the other side! This storm will not stop us.”
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not yet seen.
Hebrews 11:1
more to follow later
