Red Peonies

RED PEONIES
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 9-10

They remembered! I am thrilled to announce: They remembered! Mother's Day has arrived, and my guys have given me one of the nicest gifts I could ask for.

Not chocolate for the hips!

Not an arrangement that might last a week, then wilt!

Not a t-shirt that says, World's Greatest Mom!

Not a large bottle of perfume from the Dollar Tree that folks smell before they see me!

My fellas got me two huge red peony bushes--just what I've ALWAYS wanted!

'Thank you' seems so inadequate. Hugs don't convey my excitement. Kisses, for the 9 year-old, are offensive. Squeals of delight are wasted on the more manly among us.

I've gone to the front door and looked at my planted beauties probably 10 times since they planted them. I've picked up the tags from the bushes on several occasions and thought longingly of next spring when I can pick my first bouquet.

Words cannot express how much I appreciate getting my red peonies, because my guys know the reason for my fondness--they remind me of my grandma! If I can have red peonies like she did, then, well, I'm at least a little like her. If not by my actions, kindness, patience, faith or love they'll associate me as one of hers, then at least they can say--Mary's granddaughter has red peonies, just like Mary did.

Another gift I've received that I cannot express enough gratitude for...

"Thank God for his Son--a gift too wonderful for words!" 2 Corinthians 9:15
Do I hear an ‘Amen’?

The Tinkling of Bells

THE TINKLING OF BELLS
Today's reading: Exodus 25-28

"Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and attach them to the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and pomegranates are to alternate all the way around the hem. Aaron will wear this robe whenever he enters the Holy Place to minister to the Lord, and the bells will tinkle as he goes in and out of the Lord's presence..." Exodus 28:33-35 NLT

Can you hear the tinkling of the bells as he passes through the courtyard and behind the veil? Can you strain your ears for the silence as he kneels for a while and prays? The tiniest of sound alerts you to where Aaron is and what he is doing. The simplest of actions, attaching the little tinklers to the hem of the robe, remind you of Whose presence He is about to enter or has been in.

And you? I'll guess there are no bells attached to the hem of your favorite jeans, your Sunday-best dress clothes or your uniform. But do those around you notice something different when you've been in His presence?

Is your patience extended to cover a range of infractions? Do they hear it in your voice, see it in your expressions, feel it in your body language?

Is there more love in your service? Can they know you've been in the presence of the Lord by how you set down the dishes for dinner? Vacuum the living room? Fold the laundry?

Are your conversations littered with references to Him? Do they notice a different tone? Jokes with milder content? Do your words express hope instead of hopelessness?

My friend, you may not have bells attached to the hem of your garment--but know this: Those around you know when you've been in the presence of our Lord!