A Perfect Day!
Today, Monday, June 4, 2018, turned out to be one of those summer days you dream about in Southwest Michigan.. It's not cold enough that you need the heat on, and not hot enough that you need the AC on, but just right. The kind of day where you throw open all the shutters and doors and let the fresh gentle breezes blow through the house.
As I walked barefoot in the grass in my backyard, the warmth of the sun shone on my face. The birds sang, the chipmunks and squirrels chattered, and the bull frogs in the pool croaked throughout the day. The rhododendron by our back deck put on a show with it's large pink blooms as seen in the pictures above. My heart rejoiced, giving thanks to the Lord for the beauty of His creation.
My heart needed a day like today. My sister's husband of 45 years passed away yesterday and our hearts break for her. In addition as I observe the behaviors of people around the world, the injustice, the lies, the divisiveness, and the disrespect, I'm grateful for God's kingdom. It's like today, gentle breezes, sunshine, and beauty in spite of the evil that surrounds us.
It's like Psalms 23 says, "You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings." When you're in alignment with the Holy Spirit, the fruit of His presence automatically manifests, "[Because] the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23
Holy spirit fruit is the kind of fruit that is sweet, refreshing and delicious in the spiritual like a watermelon is in the natural. My son, daughter and I enhanced our glorious summer day by enjoying a watermelon picnic on our watermelon blanket in our back yard (picture below). When you experience a day like today, even though life on earth is harsh, you can't help but say, "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!" Psalm 34:8
May you experience the refreshing sweetness of the Holy Spirit this summer. May that fruit fill you up so much with God's love, it will bless you and overflow to others a blessing that brings them to wholeness In Jesus Name!
Photo by Heather Briggs