Stop & See the Roses

Even though I’ve gone through seven Valentine’s Days without a significant other, I still have to refocus myself as I watch others plunge their noses into a bountiful bouquet, post photos of glistening bling or snuggle fluffy teddy bears. I must remember: a) who the Lover of my soul is and b) that I should be focused on giving love.

Whether you’re married or single, you may be able to identify with me. Has it been awhile since you received something special from your special someone?  Do your kids neglect to shower you with sugary goodness on the “sweetest” holiday of all? Does the Lord have to remind you what true love is?

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
-John 15:13

This year, as the bounty piled up for others around me, my inner toddler began whining, “I didn’t get any flowers…I don’t remember the last time I got flowers for Valentine’s Day.” Wah. Wah. Wah. Pathetic. And then that still, small, reasonable Voice said to me, “I give you dozens of roses every day. Do you not see them?”

With that prompt from my Comforter, I began to open my eyes to the flora surrounding me: three beautiful children that bring sunshine and sweet aroma to my life; The Word, His love letter to me; sparkling sunshine and glistening snow; the family and friends that enrich my life.  As I journeyed through the day and allowed the Spirit to show me His gifts of love, I whined less and loved more.

Gradually, gently, He corrected me. Graciously, generously, He blessed me. Family members stopped by with special gifts for me. Friends left little tokens of thoughtfulness. A few more flowers from heaven delivered through the hands of His people.

Chocolate gets eaten. Cards get pitched. Flowers fade and wilt. But the Lord doesn’t give temporary gifts.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 
James 1:17

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  
2 Corinthians 9:8

God gives us love gifts every day. He blesses us abundantly.  He sprinkles our days with sweetness from His storehouses. His fragrance is everywhere. We just need to stop and see the roses.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joy Jochems has been in ministry literally her whole life. While Joy is actively involved with her local church as youth ministry coordinator and lends a hand at CWAHM as devotional coordinator and guest contributor, she recognizes that her primary ministry is in her home, to her children. You can contact Joy at joy@cwahm.com.