The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. 2 Chronicles 15:2
Years ago, I bought five little mailboxes that I put out on the first of February when I decorate for Valentine’s Day. Every couple of days, I put sweet treats in them for my husband and kids. Wanting to develop healthy habits for myself, I asked my kids not to put any candy in mine. I told them it would mean more to me if they left me notes of love instead.
In her usual style, Jocelyn took that suggestions up a notch, and created a “Love Note Scavenger Hunt.” The first paper heart she left in my mailbox recounted one reason why she loves me, and then listed a clue that led me to the next heart. The second heart had another thing she loves about me, and another clue, and so on.
Her words warmed my heart, but her clues raised the beat of it as she had me searching up and down two flights of stairs, over and over again. I’d already done yoga and Zumba that day, and hadn’t had dinner yet. My tank was on empty as I dragged myself around.
Although I wanted to be grateful, I was too darned drained to dig up the emotion. As I mumbled a thoughtless complaint under my breath, Jocelyn rebutted, “That’s what a scavenger hunt is: You look in one place and then another, and you keep on going until you find what you’re supposed to.” Even in my depleted state, I knew her words could be applied to prayer.
When we seek God, we can’t give up. He has untold treasures He’s just waiting to bless us with. But, we have to find our way to Him in order to receive them.
When we try a style of prayer that doesn’t resonate, we need to switch gears and try another. When we get distracted, we have to consciously choose where we put our thoughts, and get back to it. When we lean on our own devices and fail, we need to beg Him for His grace to draw us near.
Realizing I wasn’t honoring Jocelyn’s effort in my depleted state, I asked if we could resume after dinner. Once my energy was restored, I was able to appreciate all the time, effort and creativity she’d invested. With joy, I marched up and down the stairs multiple times, graciously thanking Jocelyn every step of the way. She felt appreciated; I felt honored to be the recipient of all that love.
God places love notes all around us: moments and circumstances that affirm all the ways we are special to Him. He also includes clues as to where we should go next. The more we spend time with Him, the more He keeps us energized for journey, even if there are ups and downs. Moreover, when we walk that journey with joy, He feels appreciated, and we become the recipients of His treasure trove of love.
Questions for Reflection:
- When I can’t find God in my prayer time, do I give up?
- Have I thought of asking Him for the grace to find Him?
God places love notes all around us: moments and circumstances that affirm all the ways we are special to Him.
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Shifting My Perspective 
I love when I can clearly see how God is through the natural things, like the scavenger of love your daughter had you on! 🙂
Really liked these two things that you said, “When we seek God, we can’t give up. He has untold treasures He’s just waiting to bless us with. But, we have to find our way to Him in order to receive them.”
“God places love notes all around us: moments and circumstances that affirm all the ways we are special to Him. He also includes clues as to where we should go next. The more we spend time with Him, the more He keeps us energized for journey?
Enjoyed my time reading your words this morning and ‘getting a new perspective!’
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I’m so glad you found my blog and commented. Thank you! It’s gratifying to know that all the ways my daughter blessed me continue on to you. 🙂 I hope you continue to read and comment!
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Joy! That is the key. Who doesn’t want to do more for those who appreciate? Thanks for the reminder.
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You nailed it with “joy,” Elaine. My mantra for the year is “Rejoice!” which, for me, means re-joy. I need to keep seeking out the good, over and over again, because in my forgetful way, I quickly lose perspective, and neglect to celebrate what I have. Here’s wishing you lots of joy and re-joy!
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So beautiful, touching, hilariously funny imagining you so weary dragging yourself up stairs etc. searching for each hidden heart darling Jocelyn hid for you. But also profoundly touching in the way you realized you needed to find the joy and fun Jocelyn meant for her precious mother, and so you found that joy to the delight, I’m sure of Jocelyn.And yes … so with our Loving God, Who, as you pointed out so convincingly, has treasures for His beloved children each and every day, if only we trust enough each day to keep on looking!!!! So uplifting, Claire!
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Thanks so much, Jackie! I was reluctant to share how I wasn’t being very grateful for Jocelyn’s kindness at first. But it felt important to paint the picture as it really was: me being cranky in the midst of her gift, a state a lot of us weary moms live in. But I’m so grateful that God made me pause long enough to refuel on food, and Him, so I could appreciate what she did for me, and appreciate her. 🙂
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A beautiful story of family love and how Jocelyn’s desire to tell you all the gifts of love she has for her mother. Motherhood is a great test of endurance and persistence.
God does continue to refresh us with new ways to show our love to Him and others.
Thank you.
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Thank YOU, Lorraine, for reading and commenting. I miss seeing your smiling face, and Jocelyn misses your gentle wisdom. I hope you’re staying healthy and well. 🙂
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