Sunshine

Covered in Blessings

There is a sea of sunshine just outside my front door. My pasture is covered in tiny yellow flowers. Not the pasture to my left, or the pasture to my right. Just mine. When I was pondering this thought out loud to Chris this week, he said “God knows who lives here.” My insides fluttered a bit. The thought of God knowing me like that and gifting me with something so uniquely and extravagantly made me feel a bit giddy.

And surprised. Does God really love me that way? Out loud and in front of everyone?

I have been called Mary Sunshine since I was a little girl. My mom and dad both called me this not really knowing the other did.  When I met Chris he soon followed suit. I began to realize that anyone who really knew me, knew my secret nick name. But God? Does he call me sunshine too? Yes, I think he does. To be known and loved at this level is the cry of all of our hearts, isn’t it?

Beaming from the Ground

And there is something else. This flower is called bitterweed. Not only does this seem ridiculous to me, but it astounds me because my first name Mary means bitter, with Anne meaning grace. I am reminded of the the beauty that has come from the deep pain in my life –the grace that has washed over me but at a great cost. Does it look like this?

If I am careful to release my pain to the only who can heal me will bitterness blossom into beauty? Yes, may it be so.

Bitterness can blossom into beauty. And my Father calls me Sunshine.

Isaiah 61:1-3 

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort those who mourn,
     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.” 

Walking on Sunshine

Grace