Daffodils…

This morning one of my devotions likened listening to God’s promptings to a daffodil!

This bright, beautiful little flower blooms in early spring. They commonly peek their pretty yellow noses out at the beginning of March when the ground is still cold, hard, crunchy, and often still covered in a light blanket of snow.

It would behoove us to follow the example of the daffodil! God asks them to awaken from their winter slumber before winter is over! He assigns them the task of delivering the hope of spring by the blooming of their glorious pops of color and the delight in their re-appearance.

Imagine for a moment a conversation between God and the daffodil! God gently nudges the flower from its winter nap. The flower is warm and comfy in its bulb and slightly moves away from God’s tap and snuggles further inward. Another tap on the shoulder from the Lord.

The daffodil responds, “Right now? Can’t it wait a day or two? I’m so comfortable; it’s cold, the ground is so hard; I don’t want to do this, Lord!” All the while thinking, maybe if I ignore the tapping, it will go away!”

Tap, Tap, Tap!!!

Can you find some resemblance in the little daffodil? Often God will lay on our hearts and spirits a task to do something, to make a phone call, to give away something, to go and visit someone. The giving of ourselves and our precious time!

I am reminded that not long ago, I had a daffodil moment. One of my dear Eastern Star loves was passing. The cancer had finally won, and we were losing her! My heart was in such turmoil because, one, I loved this little lady, and two, I was scared because I knew I would be saying goodbye.

I drug my feet and found many excuses as to why today wouldn’t work! My heart was heavy, I knew I wanted to see her, hold her hand, hug her and say goodbye, but I was almost paralyzed in fear! The ground was cold, crunchy, and hard!

Tap, Tap, Tap…

So I prayed!

Philippians 4:13 NLT “For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:7 NIV “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

I did receive strength! I did go and visit, and the smile that I received as I walked through the door of her room, I will carry forever. I did get to hold her hand, share smiles, and a hug I won’t ever forget. Tears fall again this morning as I miss this little gal. Within our chapter meetings, there is a big hole where she used to sit, but she’s still with us as we all carry her in our hearts.

So, the next time the Lord taps you on your shoulder and your first instincts are to shy away, ignore, and grumble, trust in him. Be a daffodil and break through the hard, cold crunchy ground with his strength.

You can do this! If God brings you to it, he will get you through it! Don’t wait for the perfect moment, as there often isn’t one. If we wait too long, we may have to live with regret. I am so thankful I didn’t wait, as the memories I now carry make me smile and leave within me peace. Take the opportunities while you can because too late is always too late!

Be a daffodil! This devotion is dedicated to Isabelle York, I sure miss you, girl, but we will meet one day again! ❤️