Opportunity Found

If you didn't read yesterday's post, you can click here to catch up.

So there I was, feeling overwhelmed and rather distraught. I didn't see what God was trying to say to me with the statement, The soul is healed by being with children. But I wanted to understand, and I asked Him to help me.

Friends, when we ask for God's help - He is faithful to deliver!

I received a message from my blogging/FaceBook buddy, Lisa Shaw, and she reminded me that God would be my strength in the midst of the wait. Oh! I needed that encouragement.
Yes, an opportunity found to trust His strength.

Then I was sitting at my computer trying to get some writing done when two of my children approached me at separate times, with much to say. At first I wanted them to hurry up and finish their stories so I could get back to writing. (Just being honest!)
But then it was as if God said to me, Now, Karen, look at them. Your children love you and they just want to tell you about this thing that has them so excited. Remember when you were a child and you got excited about silly things? Let their joy flow into you. Stop taking life so seriously for a moment, and treasure your child's joy.
An opportunity found to enjoy a smile with my children.

Over the course of the next several hours I was asked to babysit, and to have a few of my sons' friends over in the following days so their moms could get some things done. While my initial reaction was one of, More kids? Really??? God quickly reminded me He would be my strength, and I remembered that my children would love having these other children around.
To be honest, often times I find it easier when there are more kids around, for the simple fact that my children enjoy it. They play new games together. Adventures in fishing and backyard hunting ensue. Matthew, especially, loves having the younger ones around because he is no longer the youngest, and I enjoy watching him shine. Truly, healing can come to my soul when I hear the laughter and see the camaraderie of children playing together.
Oh. Could it be? An opportunity found for my soul to be healed by being with children?

Friends, only God could bring me to that conclusion!

If you're feeling like you are in the middle of a pile of lost opportunities today, I pray God will open your eyes to the opportunities waiting to be found!
And please come back tomorrow. God surprised me with yet another lesson in this saga, and I'll post it Thursday morning.