Beauty Unexpected!

May 28, 2020

Beauty Unexpected!

Cow pies were my primary focus as I walked through the pasture.  Well, maybe not my “primary” focus, but certainly they ranked pretty high on my list.  Who wants “cow pie” on their dress shoes?!?!

I was walking through a pasture in my dress clothes.  It was less than one hour prior to our daughter getting married in that pasture.  I was trying to be helpful and careful at the same time.  As I walked from where we had parked to the place where people were gathering, I was watching my step.

Like many other brides and grooms this spring, wedding plans had changed dramatically.  Five weeks before they were scheduled to be married last weekend everything changed. 

They had a church wedding all planned and ready to go when the Covid-19 virus made that setting unsafe.  The grandparent’s pasture was their next choice.  It was fun to watch as a wedding in a pasture captured their attention and excitement with a new kind of energy.

As I walked over to offer my help, I noticed a small white flower.  The nickel-sized flower was so delicate that it seemed a bit out of place.  At the same time, the flower was in its most natural and normal environment. 

For me, the flower was a symbol of Jesus’ presence and blessing on our daughter’s wedding.  Although the environment for the wedding was not “traditional” (I am not sure what that even means anymore!) or “normal” (All I hear is there will be a “new normal!”), Jesus was letting me know He was with us.

I am reminded of Jesus’ promise to be with us.  One of my favorite examples is God’s promise to Joshua.  Joshua was afraid and uncertain and reluctant to take the next step.  In Joshua 1:9 the Lord says to Joshua; “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Another example occurs just before Jesus ascends to heaven.  Jesus offers the disciples some things to do and then offers a word of encouragement.  In Matthew 28:25 Jesus tells the disciples; “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When things do not work out the way we have planned, it sometimes feels like we are dancing through the “cow pies.”  For me, it is reassuring to know that Jesus is with us.  Jesus will give us strength and courage as well as boldness and faith to meet whatever the new thing might be.

A little white flower could have been easily overlooked.  The same is true of Jesus’ presence with us; we can easily overlook Jesus’ love and strength!  I am grateful for the assurance of Jesus’ presence.  Jesus released a joy and love that is so much greater than my own.  My heart was filled with delight in the Lord.

I imagine you know someone who needs to know the promise of Jesus’ presence with them as well as Jesus’ love for them today.  Consider sharing Jesus’ promise to be with them wherever they go and whatever they do.  Invite them to take delight in the Lord.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug