On Gifts & Challenges

I hope you never tire of me talking about seasons. The truth is, we’re all either in one already, or getting ready to begin a new one. There are no “in-between” — no, if that were the case, life would become quite monotonous. Seasons bring about newness, different ways of living, and help keep our great, big world God created running smoothly. He’s amazing like that! And intensely detailed! (Guess that’s where I get it from! Ha!)

Anyhow, seasons bring with them gifts and challenges.

With spring, we receive the gift of newness of life and are challenged with allergies most of the time. With summer, we receive the gift of hot, balmy out-of-school days and have the challenge of keeping children occupied. Fall brings with it the gift of colors as everything begins to go into dormancy and we are challenged with time change and dusk happening about 5:30p.m. here on the Eastern coast. Finally, winter arrives with its stillness and sometimes we are fortunate enough to enjoy a snowball fight otherwise, we’re challenged to keep the home front warm and not eat too many desserts and comfort food during the holidays.

I suppose, just as there is a reaction for every action, there is a pro and con to most everything in life. Even in the middle of one of God’s biggest blessings in our lives, there are hard parts that come along with it. That’s just how it works. The Bible is filled with stories of gifts (blessings) which came complete with challenges.

Gifts and challenges. It’s a packaged deal.

Having said all that, I am going out on a limb here and say that right now, in this season, I’m enjoying the gifts and challenges which come along with learning and listening to God. We can learn all about Him, but we’ve got to listen and lean in for a more intimate relationship. We don’t get that haphazardly! It’s intentional. That’s what I’ve been praying for and seeking after in my season. So, I wanted to share what happened today.

I was in Walmart early this morning getting things we needed for a gourmet, grilled cheese sandwich lunch this afternoon. I passed the bakery and saw the lady who had so kindly stopped what she was doing last week to help me get Kyler’s birthday cookie cake prepared. I had been so thankful she had done so! I glanced at her, remembered our encounter, and continued on my way through the store. Isn’t shopping merely a mission most of the time?

I loaded up the few items I needed and headed to the self-pay checkout, paid and then headed toward the front entrance when I caught a glimpse of her again, busily working amongst the bakery item displays.

Suddenly, “something” (or Someone) nudged me to go over, speak to her, and thank her for what she did for me last week. By the time I turned my cart to head over her way, she had ducked back behind the counter and was in the back talking to her coworker.

I continued walking that way, then stood in front of the counter and waited patiently for a few moments hoping she’d look my direction. Then, I cleared my throat in hopes of catching her attention, but to no avail. I stood there for another minute or so, but she never came back to the front of the bakery where I was standing. So, I decided to leave.

I walked through the exit door and the “nudge” was even stronger. I was perplexed. I know that feeling well enough to know it was definitely NOT me desiring to go back inside and speak to the lady. At that point, I realized it was a God-moment for certain.

So…I went back inside.

And, amazingly enough, she had come from behind the counter in that short span of time and was sorting bakery items on the shelf again. God’s timing is impeccable. I walked over to her and began talking. I even told her I had felt to speak to her but she had been behind the counter. I told her I didn’t know what kind of day she was having or how her life was currently going, good or bad (she assured me it was all good), then I continued to tell her how I had felt so drawn to come over. I thanked her for helping me the other day and told her how much I appreciated her kindness and how much my grand boy had enjoyed the cake. She smiled and said, “Thank you.”

I turned and walked toward the door somewhat perplexed. I had done what I felt I was being nudged to do, but it definitely hadn’t went the way I had anticipated. I expected her to be having a difficult day, or something like that, where a kind word would uplift her spirit and encourage her a bit. It appeared that she didn’t need it after all. Hmmm.

As the second automated, sliding door opened and I stepped out into the quiet morning awaiting me, I felt these words drop into my spirit, “It was for you.”

Wait. What?

Me saying a kind word and trying to encourage this sweet lady in the bakery department was for me? How was that supposed to work out? We always say that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, don’t we? In my bewilderment, I felt it settle gently into my heart, a confirmation from the Lord. “This was a test. I’m preparing you to hear and respond to my nudging.” This was a test, one of which I had thankfully passed and not let it slip away nonchalantly. Praise the Lord.

Yes, I did feel good inside — because I had done what I felt the Lord was asking of me. You see, I’ll be a little transparent here: in this season, I keep praying and asking Him to help me be His hands and feet, to help me walk in the Spirit and to be sensitive. There was an extra pep in my step when I left Walmart. I felt better because I had stepped beyond myself and did my best to encourage someone else - two times. I smiled contentedly, knowing that I had followed the prompting of the Lord, and I was humbled that I am being groomed for what He has yet to bring my way.

Seasons. They come with gifts and challenges. No, it wasn’t with ease that I had walked over to the counter the first time, and I definitely wasn’t thrilled about being led to do it the second time either. It was a challenge, I wanted to walk on to my car and continue my day, but the tug was too strong to ignore. I’m so glad I altered my trip for just a few more moments to reach outward. It was a God moment.

I’ve heard all my life in one way or another that I’m a sensitive person. I know it’s true. I suppose God blessed me with that gift: He does all things well and on purpose. However, today was a challenge for me…and it was a gift too! Kind of like a win-win in my book. I’d say that most challenges are worth it when you realize and understand the actual gift that brings it about.

Think about the season you’re in. Are you experiencing a gift that has come with challenges? It might be something on a much bigger scale than my incident today. Are you able to see the positive side? Just something I’m thinking about and trying to wrap my thoughts around today and wanted to share. Hope it helps you take a moment to stop and see a different perspective in yours.

Be blessed in your season~