It was just a bowl of soup.

And a day with my grandson.

Coming home at the end of the day, my drive time became a time of reflection and wonder at how blessed I really am.

Not in the world’s sense, maybe, but in this girl’s heart I had just had the most beautiful day, and tears welled up as I asked the Lord, “why?”

“Why me?”

I am so undeserving of those little blessings He shows me on a daily basis.

“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”  1 Peter 4:8-10

I walked into the local dry cleaners this morning to an incredible aroma.

“What in the world is that wonderful smell?” I asked.

“Korean dumplings!”  “Would you like some?”

Seriously. When was the last time your dry cleaner asked you if you wanted a sample of her lunch?  Yeah.  I thought so.  It had never happened to me before either, but we have grown to love our Korean friends who share a common bond through our Christian faith.  They always have Christian music or preachers on the radio when we come in, and we share stories and chat whether I am dropping off or picking up…

…and she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

So without hesitation, she took my arm and pulled me to the back of the shop; grabbing a bowl and spoon, she served up a wonderful little treat for me to sample.  As I enjoyed the tasty treat, my hostess watched with amusement at my “ooh’s and ahh’s”, and was delighted to hear that “pastor” would be jealous that I had enjoyed such a treat!

It was just a bowl of soup. 

But it wasn’t.  It was a gift.  An unexpected blessing.

I knew that even though I had done nothing to deserve it, I was shown genuine kindness in a very simple way.

I was delighted, but very humbled that this woman had served me her lunch.

Later in the day I got to take my grandson to the home opener for the St. Louis Cardinals.  A huge event in St. Louis, we had both been to regular season games, but neither of us had ever experienced the thrill of Opening Day.

Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO

Game day had been postponed because of rain, and a previous commitment sent Pappy out of town, opening the door for me to take my oldest grandson.

It was just a ballgame.

But it wasn’t.  It was a memory that we will have forever.  Taking him out of school early to catch the Red Bird Express to downtown, treating him to his first barbecue nachos (they’re amazing!), the pageantry of opening day, and the thrill of being in a packed stadium in a sea of red.

I was so looking forward to my first opening day ballgame, and despite the disappointment that hubby couldn’t go, the blessing of being able to make this special memory with my sweet Nolan is something that I will treasure forever.

I know that I don’t deserve to have so much good in my life. Not one of us can say we have earned the right to receive God’s blessing.  But He freely gives.  He is good.  He is kind.  And He is the giver of all good things.

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

So my tears are grateful tears.

I know that not every day can be good.  We live in a sinful world that sees so many hard things.  But today I saw God in these simple moments and I was reminded that even though I don’t always notice–and some days I flat out forget to be thankful for the little things–He is always good.

And that bring both tears to my eyes and a smile to my face, because I am overcome by my God and His faithful love.

I hope you are having a good day today, friend.  Even if it is a hard day, look for those simple moments of joy that can come when you least expect it.

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