I’m Quirky and I Know It - Encouragement Café - May 8, 2015

I’m Quirky and I Know It

Café Menu for Friday, May 8, 2015

Today’s Special is: Smiling at the Little Things

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Angela Moran

Main Ingredient:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Entrée:

Being a mom to a little boy who is a “square peg in a round world” gave me a much deeper understanding of the need for prayer without ceasing. My son hated school.

Every night, I prayed when he would cry himself to sleep because there was school the next day. In the morning, I prayed as he hung his head walking slowly into the school building, not wanting to be there even a minute longer than he needed. In the afternoon, I really prayed when it was time for homework and the tears, anger, and frustration rushed in with full fury!

All this, and more, recently led us to decide on homeschooling! Wow, I need you more than ever Jesus!

I’m certain that we all have areas in our lives that lead us to pray. Most days, the name of Jesus is continually on my lips; saying His name ever so softly is my way of calling for help in those times of trouble, sadness, and heartache.

I’ve come to learn and to love this verse knowing that if God asks us to pray all the time, He’s listening. He’s not just listening in those troubled times; He wants us to talk to Him about the good times too.

Looking for opportunities to rejoice each day has been a game changer for me. Taking a moment to smile at the small things is like a breath of fresh air!

For me, a smile comes when I get to restock anything that’s empty. When I walk into the bathroom and find the toilet paper roll empty, I rejoice! I’m thankful in remembering that it’s the friends we had over last night that used the last of the toilet paper. When I buy eggs and I get to put them into the egg holder, I rejoice! I am thankful as I remember my kids’ sweet faces in the morning as they ate the last of the eggs.

Friend, I know life is stressful. Choose joy. When life is spinning all around you, look around for something that makes you smile. There are countless opportunities for you to take a moment to rejoice and be thankful. It’s when we find those small moments of joy that our day doesn’t feel so bad. Sing with me…

I simply remember my favorite things… and then I don’t feel so bad.

Take Out:

Admit it, you’re quirky too!

What are the little things that make you smile?

I bet they happen every day if you take a second to stop and notice them! I challenge you today to look for opportunities to rejoice and then thank God! He loves you! He’s with you! That’s enough to make you smile.

Dessert:

Jesus, thank You that You are with us through every moment of our day. We rejoice in the small things that make us uniquely us! Thank You for making each one of us special. Be with us today as we face the struggles and trials of this life, and help us to turn to You in prayer. Empower us to take notice of the small things, to rejoice and be thankful for those small moments that make us smile. I think You’re smiling with us, Jesus. Let us feel the warmth of Your smile upon us. We love You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

© 2015 by Angela Moran. All rights reserved.

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Originally published Friday, 08 May 2015.

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