“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful;
for beauty is God’s handwriting . . . Welcome it and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.”
~ Ralph Emerson
No matter what I said, it didn’t seem to make a difference.
My ten-year-old son, Josh, came home from school, feeling grumpy from the day. There was just too much homework. As he looked into his week and the next, a string of assignments were piled on top of each other.
Poor guy, I felt bad for Josh. But as my husband, Eric, always tells me — what he learned from his first-aid training from his Army days — Step 1. Calm the casualty.
“Everything’s going to be okay. Don’t worry. I’ll help you,” I tried to reassure him, but Josh was not convinced, looking more discouraged by the minute.
Quite honestly, I started feeling stressed myself. Just thinking about all his different projects was making me feel grumpy inside too. Okay, I told myself. Calm the casualty. Calm the casualty.
“Look, all you have to do is . . .” I proceeded to give him some good advice, to reason his worries away, by giving him time management strategies to get things done.
That’s when things started getting worse.
“You’re making me feel more stressed, Mom!” Josh was now more overwhelmed than when I began talking to him. Then, I remembered what I learned going through my own season of anxiety. What calmed me wasn’t reasons why I shouldn’t worry or advice to solve my problems.
What brought my soul calm and peace was comfort. Kindness. Understanding.
Encouragement For Today
“Josh, I’m so sorry you have all this work. It feels impossible, doesn’t it?” I put my hand on his shoulder. Then Josh looked at me — really looked at me for the first time after coming home. “I know how you feel,” I continued. “I felt the same way when I was a kid. I got really frustrated too. Math was the worst.”
For the next few minutes, I told him some stories about the mean teachers I had and the classes that I wish I never had — and threw in some funny stories about how I had a crush on a boy who would always run away from me whenever we played tag.
“Yeah, sometimes, life is just hard in the moment. All you can do is your best. Just do what you can today.”
I held my breath, sending a silent prayer for God to help Josh — and me.
“You really think I’ll be okay?” Josh asked. By God’s grace — the word today gave Josh the encouragement his heart needed to hear.
“Yes.” I hugged Josh close, and I could feel his body and heart relax into my embrace. Then, he picked up his pencil and papers and started his work.
God’s Promise for Today
Today gave Josh just enough comfort that he needed — so he can do just the one thing today.
Don’t worry about tomorrow.
Just do your best for today.
I’ll be with you today.
And I’ll be with you tomorrow.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. {Matthew 6:34}
Do not worry about your life . . . Look at the birds of the air . . . Are you not much more valuable than they? . . . See how the flowers of the field grow . . . If that is how God clothes the grass of the field . . . will He not much more clothe you? {Matthew 6:25-30}
Are you grown up like me too? Even though we’re grown up, we still need the sunshine of God’s love, care, and encouragement. We need kindness and understanding.
But how can we get the encouragement?
Sunshine and Vitamins For Our Soul
We can confide in a friend who is a good listener, who can be God’s heart and friend to us.
Another way is something we can do on our own with God: Get some sunshine and enjoy some vitamins for our soul too!
Step outside and let God touch you with the sweetness of what He’s created — the flowers and the birds, the trees and the grass — to remind you of His love and care.
Last week, it officially turned autumn. The beautiful falling leaves remind us that God has season for everything in our lives. He understands.
Sometimes, the best we can do is just our best one day at a time.
Give Yourself Permission
We need to give ourselves permission to just breathe. And simply focus on what we can do today. And nothing beyond that.
Get some sunlight and enjoy the wonderful benefits of sunshine. God made our bodies to respond with sunlight by releasing a burst of seratonin — which is a natural happy hormone — that boosts our mood whenever we are outside in sunshine.
Getting just 5 to 15 minutes of sunshine on your arms, hands, and face can give you enough vitamin D to enjoy the boosting benefits of the sun. By stepping out in sunshine, we also get vitamins for the soul: God’s love for you is found in the beauty in nature. So, enjoy the warmth of the sun today and return re-energized with the peace of God’s presence. God cares for you.
Remember friends, God treasures who you are today.
Not who you can become tomorrow.
You belong to Him.
You are His Beloved.
Pull up a chair. What boosts your day and encourages you heart, like vitamins for your soul?
How does the word today encourage your heart?
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Written by Bonnie Gray, the Faith Barista, encouragement for your journey, awakening your soul to rest.
Photo credit: Kelly Ishmael
Leave a Comment
Rajean says
What a blessing to hear these words today! I used to “what if” myself to death. Now that I know my Father in Heaven has a plan for my life I do much better. This was a great reminder, and when I feel the worry begin to tug at me, I will step outside into the sunlight to remind myself to cast my cares!
Daneen says
Rajean, I too, tend to live in “the Land of What-If’s!” But a young friend gave me some very profound advice this week. Instead of “What-If,” we can say, “Even-If,” because we know WHO loves us and is in charge of our every moment!
Bonnie Gray says
Hi Daneen – thanks for sharing. I love that – replacing “What-If” with “Even-If” – totally changes everything!
Bonnie Gray says
Hi Rajean, it’s soul freeing to hear how God is taking your what-ifs and placing his hands into yours — as he lovingly whispers to you, “I have a plan for you.” Enjoy that touch of sunshine today, friend. 🙂
TracieH says
Wow, this was balm for my soul.
Bonnie Gray says
Hi TracieH, may this day bring moments of God’s loving touch to your soul. 🙂 thnx for sharing the morning.
Pearl @ Look Up Sometimes says
Bonnie, this couldn’t have been more timely. Thank you so much.
Bonnie Gray says
Pearl, it’s so amazing to hear how God touched your heart. thnx for sharing your moment this morning, friend. may you continue to feel tender whispers of God’s care for you today.
Tracey says
I am simply in awe of the intimacy that God provides and wants for us! The reading in the Jesus calling book or Jesus for today -I forget what it’s called… Talked about this very thing about staying in the now of today and enjoying the gift of today because so often we miss the blessing because we are so worried about tomorrow or hung up on yesterday. For me, I get so consumed with all of the things I would like to change moving forward to live a life that’s better pleasing to God and He’s saying to me -child it’s enough to be who you are today, just do the best with what I’ve given you today! He is so good to me despite my past failures and mistakes!
Bonnie Gray says
Tracy, it is amazing when those intimate moments touch our heart. Love Jesus Calling – and how God is whispering so gently to your soul, His beloved daughter, all beautiful to Him. Always.
KIM says
Sometimes the to-do list is so long, I just feel paralyzed. There is too much to do in any ONE day. But, when I decide what my priorities for THAT DAY are, it becomes so much more manageable in my mind. What needs to be done hasn’t changed, but my mindset HAS! Thank you for your writing, Bonnie. I always find wisdom in it.
Bonnie Gray says
Sweet Kim, I love how you put it – as you express what happens inwardly – the moment your soul is freed as it decides “what my priorities for THAT DAY are”… love how you listen and hear God’s whispers and that moment releases you. beautiful!
Trish says
Thank you.
Bonnie Gray says
so good to share a moment together this morning, Trish. 🙂 happy it spoke to your heart, as it spoke to mine.
Angela says
Thank you so much Bonnie for sharing this beautiful devotion. It was truly hand crafted for me. I really needed this! God’s bless you!
Katie says
With all the work, doctor appointment, housekeeping (that isn’t getting done), and just life for us at the moment, it had become necessary to say “is this a today problem?” If it is then deal with it. If not it gets put off. Thank you for the reminder dear friend. Love you lots Bonnie!!!
Rebecca L Jones says
I don’t think God ever wants us to be overwhelmed except by His love. We have to take it a step at the time, and His love warms us like the sun. It’s a great lesson to teach your son to be calm, sometimes I think Jesus is the only one who reallly can calm me down.
Angel says
I long to get out in nature and feel the sun but it is already cold, rainy and gray where I live, and winter will be worse and drag on for months. Besides taking vitamin D I don’t know how to help myself get the benefits that come with time outdoors. Any ideas for those of us who live in the far north?
KIM says
Angel,
Here is an idea: Find a painting or photo of the outdoors that you absolutely love and hang it up on the wall. Place a chair directly across from it. Begin each morning gazing at that beautiful image.
Angel says
Good idea- thanks!
Nancy Ruegg says
I am tired today, yet feeling like I ought to tackle a couple of items on the to-do list this evening. Then I read your post, especially: “We need to give ourselves permission to just breathe. And simply focus on what we can do today. And nothing beyond that.” Now I’m thinking there might be more benefit in a bit of restful “breathing” tonight! Your words (and your appropriate reminders from scripture) gave me permission to do that! 🙂 Thank you, Bonnie.
Tina Gilbert says
I *love* this article, Bonnie! Puts into perspective how to “deal with” the problems of others. I feel this is a weak point in me … reaching others with comfort and kind direction of thought. When people come to us (sheesh, when I go to someone) to sort of vent, they usually are NOT looking for preachy directive … but rather a listening ear and an understanding heart. I appreciate you bringing this to light today. ♡ tina
Tina Gilbert says
P.S. my main struggle with this has not been that I WANT to preach, but that I don’t know WHAT to say or do & sometimes think I’m *supposed* to preach …. except I don’t know HOW! This article, therefore, brings me great comfort! A listening ear, I *do* have. And a kind heart that at least *tries* to understand! ♡ Thanks again. t.
Beth Williams says
Tina,
Sometimes the best thing you can do for friends is just be there. Be the willing shoulder they can cry on. Let them vent their problems to you and just listen. No words are necessary. A gentle support is all some people need.
Blessings 🙂
Tina Gilbert says
Thank you, Beth. ♡ That is so true, I know. I appreciate your encouragement! t.
Meg Weyerbacher says
Bonnie, I so missed you! I love your words today. How timely to my heart – hubby in a bit of predicament and we are both about 1,000 miles apart. I was feeling helpless and blah and saw your post. It hugged me and reminded me to breathe and that all we can do is what we can do right now and let God handle the rest. Thanks so much friend. xoxoxox
Beth Williams says
Bonnie,
Yes. Refocusing my attention from myself & problems to God & His creation helps me to deal with life. For today I will do what I can & not worry about tomorrow. Such wise advice for your son.
‘The falling leaves remind us that God has season for everything in our lives.’ Yes and that can be hard to remember. Some times it feels like life is just passing you by and everyone is moving forward but you. I must remind myself daily WHO is in control of all this and that He has my back!!
Blessings 🙂
Allison says
Thank you for this Bonnie!! sometimes I forget to give myself permission instead of looking for it from others. I am a personal trainer by trade; a person who does not sit still or inside well! I had a foot injury almost 3 weeks ago, very minor, but has taken me off my schedule, put me mostly indoors and my attitude has been dragging. Sunshine is exactly what I need!! To remember something so simple to fix an attitude issue/emotional shift that can become very out of control so quickly!! I have taken extra time and soaked with My Savior, and it has been wonderful.. but my endorphins have been lagging… sunshine! what a simple answer to so many bigger issues! Isn’t it amazing what God has put here on the earth, supplied our every need way ahead of time for all those things He knew we would need! the simple confound the wise… and the simple can solve the complex! Thanks again! so glad to see you writing again!!! I”m still writing; but it’s not taking shape… sigh…. blessings!!!