It’s been a really tough, long week – full of way too much stress. I’ve had some very difficult moments, and yesterday was hard. My wonderful husband has been very supportive and helpful, but it’s still been stressful getting everything done I needed to. Plus, I stayed up WAY too late last night finishing up paperwork and preparing for a school field trip today.
It was just too much, and I was getting overwhelmed. I laid down about 1:30am, calculating the few hours I could sleep before getting up to drop off the kids at school and spend the day at White Sands National Park. I cried out to Jesus, asking for His peace and help sleeping. My mind was racing, and I was quite unsettled.
As I struggled to fall asleep, I began to see a beautiful lake around sunset. I could hear the frogs croaking, the bugs moving about and the gentle water splashing into the sand. God was there with me, and we talked about what I was seeing and hearing. Every time my mind wandered, He brought it back to the tranquil scenery around us. I commented to Him about the wildlife I saw and noticed with some glee that there weren’t any mosquitos. I laughed and said this must be heaven, because only there would the mosquitos be gone.
Looking around more, I realized there was a wooden dock that went along the water. We walked along it, enjoying the peace and beauty everywhere. I saw a bench and sat with my Lord as we watched the waters gently move. He put His arm around me, and I rested my head on His shoulder. I could feel His chest rise and fall with every breath, and His heartbeat softly drummed against my cheek. My body was relaxing, and in His presence, I was able to fall into a wonderful, restful sleep.
The peaceful feeling stayed with me all day today, and His presence surrounded me everywhere I went. I love having such a close relationship with Jesus that He can be there to help me through a hard day, when I don’t know what to do, to rejoice in the happy moments and comfort me when I am down.
I felt His love and kindness even when we stopped at a fast-food restaurant on the way home to just use the restroom. We decided to buy some shakes, and while looking at the menu, the cashier told us of an unadvertised special for their chicken. I got some for the kids and I, and as they made our shakes, a nice guy working there asked if we wanted any fries. He said they had just made some and had extra. We ended up getting 2 shakes and 4 kid’s meals (including toys) for barely more than $10. My heart was overflowing with love for Jesus and how He takes such good care of my family. I thought we were just stopping for a bathroom break, but God had other plans.
I learned that one of the things that was stressing me out bad the day before had suddenly gotten better. I realized that only Jesus could have fixed this. There was no doubt in my mind that He had heard my prayers and petitions and had moved on behalf of my family to help us. I have been learning that when you have a big problem that seems too large to overcome, you have to give it to God, and He will do what you can’t. There is nothing that He cannot do!
After getting home, I was thinking of how good God is, and just thanked Him over and over and over again. I felt such love for Him and couldn’t stop pouring out my heart to Him. It was such a drastic change between yesterday and today. The stress, turmoil and drama had just disappeared. I went to take a quick nap before dinner and after I closed my eyes, I saw the lake again. Smiling, I realized that I could feel fingers interlocked between mine as we held hands. Below my feet I could see the wooden boards as we walked along the dock. We sat on the bench again, but this time I held His hands and fell asleep smiling as I took every detail in.
Being a Christian for me is not about going to church or a set of rules of things I can do or do not do. I read the Bible and lose myself in its pages as I learn about the God who made everything yet still said His creation wasn’t complete without me in it. Jesus is my Savior, my champion, my teacher and my best friend. Growing closer to my Lord is making my life richer, full of peace and purpose. I know who I am and who I belong to. I am a child of God and live for Christ because He saved me, and I freely give my life to Him. Jesus is my everything and the one I will serve with all of my heart forever.
Love this❤️ Thanks for sharing!!