It had been one of those days. A roller coaster of high highs and low lows through the day. With several years of experience in this field, in life really, they don’t come as a surprise. I realize that there are days when this happens and I usually roll with it. However, I found myself more wearied than usual that day. The swings, and my necessary responses to those swings, had me worn out.
Because personal life always intersects with ministry life (can I get an “amen”?!), it also happened that our drains were running slowly that day and I was out of Drain-O. So an after-dinner trip to the grocery store was now also on my list of to-do’s before I could kick off my shoes and begin processing the day. One of the things I love about our grocery store is the placement of the floral department. I have to walk right by it on my way to any other department in the store – there is no missing it!
As we walked through, I heard my husband say, “Well, look at that! Your favorite flower!” He was referencing a beautiful bouquet that included hydrangeas. In recent years, I have come to adore hydrangeas – their exquisite, delicate petals all work together to form heavy heads of beauty. Then, looking further, I noticed that they were paired with three ivory calla lilies.
I have a family tree of wedding photos that hang on my entry wall. Each time we enter our home, we have to walk right by them – there is no missing it! They are a very personal reminder of where my husband and I come from, the stories of each couple, and the grace of God that covers our families still today. One of those pictures is of my Grandparents Crause, Waldon and Helen. Grandpa’s height was on full display as he proudly stood behind my petite Grandma, who was seated in her lovely dress with the largest bouquet of lilies I have ever seen.
Standing in the floral department that day, I was reminded of Grandma’s bouquet and her appreciation for the simple beauty in life. Even as a young bride, she had seen her share of difficulties but throughout life she took time to appreciate the simple beauty that God would place right in front of her – there was no missing it! One of the joys of being her granddaughter was the invitation to join her in moments of that appreciation.
So I picked up the bouquet. And the Drain-O. We even picked up ice cream bars before heading to the checkout stand. Just three things on our receipt representing real life that day.
- Take time to appreciate the beauty right in front of you – there is no missing it!
- Get the Drain-O because normal life happens – its normal.
- And don’t forget the ice cream. Because. Ice cream.
You are adored.
You Are Adored 