Blessings in Disguise

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7

Blessings are everywhere…you just have to open your heart and mind to receive them.

Yesterday was “one of those days.” I wrote in my prayer journal that I was having a rotten day (I tend to write my prayers as I am sharing them with the Lord). And then I realized…the day was just fine. It was a perfect day, in fact; one that the Lord had made, which simply means, it was perfect in His eyes. It was my attitude that was rotten. I prayed that God would soften my heart before the kids woke up from their naps…in about an hour and a half.

The kids awoke and I felt better, but still not as joyful or as victorious as God calls us to live as His children. In fact, it went down hill fast, culminating with a certain little one having an accident on the way to the potty. I managed not to take it out on my daughter (after all, accidents are just that—accidents!) and, after a short prayer asking for self-control, chalked up the incident to just being part of my blessed calling as a mother.

As I began to rinse the soiled undergarment, red dye filled the sink. Stay with me here…my daughter had worn red Christmas undies; ones that are new to us. Because most children’s clothing is made of fabric which does not fade in the wash, I am certain I would have tossed the Christmas undies in the laundry with everything else. And you know what would have happened…later in the week, I would have likely ended up with an entire load of clothes that were the color of Christmas! Now, I love Christmas time, but I don’t need my children’s entire wardrobe the color of crimson!!

God did open my heart yesterday afternoon. Had I kept my hardened heart, I would have been mad, frustrated over encountering yet another mess to clean. However, I quickly became thankful for the “accident” because it saved me from a load of ruined clothes. The accident was…a blessing in disguise.

When you are having “one of those days,” rather than taking it out on those around you, take it to the Lord. He will not be influenced by our ugliness. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,” Isaiah 40:31.