Saturday, April 30, 2016

Breadcrumbs


“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”  ~ Timothy Keller

*You are loved.
*You are not alone.
*There is peace in the storm.
*Trust in God He can change everything in an instant.
*Signs can be found in everyday life in the form of bread crumbs from a loving God who just wants us to  know that He is there.


I was sitting in a large waiting area for many hours. It was a particularly difficult week and when a family member asked me to take her to an appointment I decided  to wait in the large entryway next to the double doors and elevators. It was quiet there so I decided to finish a book and plan out a couple things I was working on. After three hours I already memorized the artwork on the walls and began to watch the people as they came and went on the elevators across from me. I was the only one sitting there on a bench while everyone else seemed to be in a hurry to make their own appointments.

Little did I know that my waiting that day would be seven hours long and I was trying to stay positive in this unexpected challenge. Halfway through my wait, a lady walked in with a black trench coat and a big black umbrella.  She stood out to me because she seemed to be in a hurry.  She was headed for the elevators and all  I can think to myself " Oh lord! If she attempts to get in that little elevator with her big umbrella, I'm going to lose it!"  I would not be able to hide my laughter because I was the only one sitting there. Sure enough and exactly what I feared she attempts to cram herself and her open big black umbrella in the indoor elevator.  I know this sounds terrible but I could not even help her with it because I had to turn my head to the side because I could not stop laughing.

This may seem like a insignificant story but it was exactly what I needed to get me though that long day of unexpected challenges.  Why would a mighty God take the time to give His child a little laugh just to lighten the mood?

 I believe He sends us bread crumbs all the time just to show us that He is there, especially during those hard times when God seems far away.  These "bread crumbs" can come as a song played just at the right moment, a Bible verse that is too close to home for what your going through, encouragement from a friend, a smile from a child, expressive artwork, a lovely scent, or a rainbow with a promise; all these little signs are easier to see when we are away from all the noise of our everyday life.

Extravagant love, endless mercy and everlasting grace.




For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.  If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Mark 4:22-23