Unexpected Blessings

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water - a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (TLB)

Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord! How good you are! Your love for us continues on forever. Psalm 106:1 (TLB)

Margaret Martin lives in the Australian Capital Territory. They have a courtyard garden with more than 80 daffodil bulbs. In the late winter and early spring the courtyard is filled with beautiful yellow blooms. This year they gave the flowers away to friends who needed cheering up, so they thought they would have to wait another year to see the daffodils again. Imagine their surprise when recently they discovered seven more yellow buds poking up among the green leaves, brightening their garden and their lives.

God's blessings are like those late-blooming daffodils - sometimes unexpected but always a special encouragement to them. They remind us that God is always here for us and cares for us constantly, especially in difficult circumstances. Life can change overnight, but blessings such as the smile of a grandchild, a beautiful garden, a sunny day, or the kindness of friends can give us hope. We can always find blessings for which to thank God.

Prayer: O God, thank you for your constant love and blessings. Help us to share them with others, in Jesus' name. Amen.