I spent what felt like a gazillion years trying to decide whether or not to buy flowers at the grocery store when I finally chose to bring home some hydrangeas. At home, I quickly unloaded the groceries and hurried to cook dinner for my family, but by the time I was cleaning up the dishes, I realized I’d unfortunately left something very important out on the kitchen counter: my flowers. In my rush, I had forgotten to place my hydrangeas in water, and now the petals on my hydrangeas were all sadly wilted. The $7.99 I had agonized over seemed lost for nothing.
I quickly Googled for help, and I learned that hydrangeas thrive in the shade, out of direct sunlight. I’d left them on the counter next to the kitchen sink where the sun had been blasting on them through the window. But my heart gained hope when I read how I can save them.
I found the plastic packet of flower food, mixed in some water, placed my hydrangeas in a vase out of the direct sun, and hoped for the best. One hour later, I checked on them, and to my relief and amazement, the flowers looked refreshed and beautiful again! I was so happy, and I thanked God for the joy it gave me.
Just like my forgotten flowers, there are days I feel wilted when I’m under too much stress. Do you ever feel that way too? Rather than being critical about yourself when you see yourself wilt under tiredness or discouragement, refresh yourself with God’s love. Be gentle with yourself.
Just like flowers need water, you also need nurture to feel God’s love. Just like the packets of flower food, when you replenish your souls with rest, kindness, and God’s gentleness, you’ll see your beautiful self returning, refreshed and restored!
Take time to let God love you by doing something loving and nurturing for yourself, rather than being harder on yourself. Simply recognize those moments as being human, rather than beating yourself up. Your emotional tank is empty, and you need the replenishment of God’s love.
Just like the hydrangeas that were wilting in the harsh sunlight, we can run ourselves ragged with critical self-talk and harsh expectations, carrying burdens God never meant for us to carry. We can become exhausted with busyness and worry. Don’t feel guilty about your limitations. Instead, rest into God’s loving arms because He understands.
Like the beautiful flowers God made, you too are a a beautiful, organic, living heart that is in need of gentle care. God understands you can’t pour out unless you’re poured into.
When you feel weary, let God love you deeper. Be honest about how you’re doing and confide in Him about all that’s on your heart.
Often when we feel down or something bothers us, we often tell ourselves it doesn’t matter. But what we are really saying is that we don’t matter. This is not true.
You deeply matter to God. God sees you, and how you feel is important to God.
God cares about you. He understands you need care, understanding, and kindness, so hear Jesus’s loving whispers of rest about your worth:
Do not worry about tomorrow.
Look at the wildflowers, they do not toil.
Yet how beautifully I’ve made them.
How much more worth you are to me—than any of these?
(paraphrased from Matthew 6:26-29)
It might seem easier to be busy instead of living as God’s beloved, but Jesus’ gentle voice reassures us that being loved is the better way.
So, let God’s love bring you peace. Rest in His care for you because you are God’s beloved.
Just like flowers get refreshed and rejuvenated in water after just an hour, small pockets of rest make a difference! By simply pausing to breathe, whisper a breath prayer. Look out your window and see the autumn leaves rustle in the wind. Enjoy the simple things that give you peace and joy.
When you’re feeling frazzled, look down. Imagine Jesus tenderly folding His hand into yours, looking at you with His loving gaze. Choose to rest in God’s love, and as you do, you’ll be rejuvenated by God’s presence.
What is making you feel weary? What can you do to feel refreshed with God’s love and peace?
Want to feel more refreshed and less stressed during the holidays? Bonnie will encourage your heart as God’s beloved – Sign up here for Bonnie’s Weekly Wellness Beloved Soul Newsletter to rejuvenate your soul and read her bestselling 40-day rest book, Whispers of Rest.
It might seem easier to be busy instead of living as God's beloved, but Jesus’ gentle voice reassures us that being loved is the better way. -@thebonniegray: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment