Seen Through a Window

Okay I am stepping out and seeking your honest opinion. Please do not spare anything - just tell me what you think. I wrote this short story a couple of months ago and I have been vascilating on whether to post it for the world to see. :-) I decided to be brave and share it with you.


Seen Through a Window


She sat in her favorite chair staring into the backyard. Finally, a few peaceful moments to read a few pages of that neglected novel. She pulled the chenille throw closer to her chin trying to ward off the chill and placed her feet on the ottoman. How long had it been since she was able to sit and relax? Too long. But with a family consisting of three small children, a husband and the family dog plus a part-time job at the hospital and various activities at the church there wasn’t much time for simple pleasures. Not only was there too much to do but there was also too much to worry about. Life was full of financial troubles and those were abundant since her husband had been laid off last month, new brakes for the van, household items needing fixing, new clothes and shoes for the kids and the list goes on and on. Thankfully it was her one-day off this week and all three children were napping at the same time. She would put all the troubles behind and absorb herself in her book.

She picked up the book and tried to find the place where she had left off. She found the bookmark waiting patiently at chapter two and removed it placing it on the table next to her. She sighed and began to read but something caught her eye in the backyard, a little bird hopping along the ground searching for food in the freshly fallen snow. The bird flitted to a nearby bush to peck at a few stray berries. How did it survive the long winter, she wondered. The answer struck her, their gracious heavenly Father provided for both of them in every season not just in the harsh of winter.

Had she been allowing God to provide for her and the family? Or was she trying to do it all on her own? She realized it was the latter. Feeling convicted by her pride she bowed her head, “Father forgive me for neglecting you and trying to accomplish everything in my own strength. I have not been relying on you for the strength to carry on the daily tasks set before me.” Peace washed over her as she surrendered her life again to her heavenly Father.

The baby began to fuss and she sighed, so much for reading today. She glanced out the window as the bird flew away. Thank you Father for the gentle reminder, she whispered as she placed the bookmark to wait patiently again for another day.

Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Luke 12:22-26)

God cares for his children. We do not need to spend time worrying about this or that. God will answer our prayer and provide for our needs. Remember though He promises to take care of our needs not our wants.

Jesus also said, "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things (food, clothes); for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:32-34)

Jesus wants us to focus on His kingdom by seeking Him and building a relationship with Him through prayer, reading the word and serving Him with love. He says not to worry about tomorrow instead focus on today. Many times we are apt to focus on the future and fret about finances and relationships but we forget to live in the present. Give Him your worries today dear friend. He is waiting with open arms to carry them for you.

Father in heaven, I come to you today because I am weary and heavy laden with the burdens of this world. I know Lord that you do not want me to carry these burdens and place them in your hands Lord. I trust You to provide for me physically and spiritually. Thank you Jesus! Amen

This could be the story of my life on many occasions. I am a do it yourself kind of gal and sometimes I forget I have a Father who wants to take care of me, who wants to carry the burdens and provide me with everything I need. I am very thankful for His patience and gentle reminders to turn back to Him. Thank you Lord!