Glimpses of joy

I chose this picture, first, as a way to encourage anyone who is struggling and, second, as a reminder to myself that no matter what circumstances life finds us in, God is ALWAYS good.

This pictures speaks to me.  I love how despite the darkness of the background, there are bursts of light and sunshine in the form of tiny little, yellow flowers.  This visual representation reminds me to look for God and his blessings in the midst of difficult circumstances.  I really need that reminder right now.

The past month has been a difficult one for my husband and our family.  A back injury has sidelined all of us and we find ourselves sitting on the sidelines while the rest of the world goes on without us.  We’ve felt alone and discouraged.  We’ve felt pain (his is physical; mine emotional) and we’ve felt ourselves asking, “When Lord?  When is it going to get better?”

Through it all, however, there have been glimpses of sunshine.  A friend helped by taking our daughter to dance one night when we couldn’t, another friend came and did some yard work for us, my parents brought us a meal and have helped with the kids when we needed to be at medical appointments, other friends had us over for dinner at their house even though we were supposed to host instead.  And I know there have been prayers.  Each of these acts of kindness are like those little yellow flowers.  Glimpses of sunshine.  Visual reminders of how God cares for us in our time of need.

I may not always feel joyful about my circumstances but I do know that there is joy for those who take refuge in Him!