Buds in the Blessing Garden

I have a 5x7 card which pictures Akiane Kramarik’s famous painting of Jesus titled Prince of Peace that sits on the shelf just above my desk.  Every time I look up from my computer screen (which is many times a day) I find myself staring into the face of Jesus.  It serves to remind me of His constant presence.  Along with Jesus, there are several pieces of sentimental memorabilia.  An angel with a broken wing that had to be repaired with a little Elmer’s glue after it slid off another shelf a while back stares at  me with a puzzled look of “what in the world are you doing?”  Next to the angel is a “friendship” box from the Willow Tree Collectibles that reminds me a friend is only as far away as the phone.  A little further down the shelf, two stuffed lambs with silly looking grins, sit arm in arm decked out in red and turquoise rain hats and polka dot goulashes.  With legs crossed and hanging over the edge of the shelf, they make a bold fashion statement but the best thing is the wonderful message they share.  “Even when the rain comes down the Shepherd is making blessings bloom just for you!  We can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”  I read this message and look back into the face of Jesus; thankful for the many, many blessings He has made bloom just for me.  No, I’m not going to list them all – I’d still be typing this time tomorrow.  When I last looked, my blessing garden was full of tiny little buds.  I don’t know what they will be until they get to full bloom, but I know they will be good.  What do I mean?  The Shepherd gives us little buds that bloom into open doors of opportunity.  They may blossom into new relationships or turn into exciting adventures.  They may bloom into new careers, new ministries, or just a new and better outlook toward life and inward peace and contentment.  Close your eyes and imagine yourself looking into the face of the great Shepherd.  Thank Him for the blessings that have bloomed in your life and ask Him to show you the buds in your blessing garden. But, most of all remember “Jesus Loves YOU!”