StewardLife Lesson 35
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STORY
Robert had just finished mowing the yard and bagging the grass clippings for the second time this week. The early spring warmth and rain was really making that lawn grow. As Robert was putting the mower away, Dad met him coming out of the garage and complimented him on his persistence in his yard work.
"Thanks, dad," Robert replied. "I've worked twice as hard this spring as usual. Now do you think I could get that new pair of cross-training shoes?" Robert was deliberately making a direct connection between his hard work and a long-awaited promise.
"Well, if you do get those shoes, it won't be because of your hard work," dad answered.
"What do you mean?" Robert asked, a little hurt. He felt like dad wasn't giving him any credit for his work.
Dad came along side and put his arm around Robert. "Why have you had so much work to do on the lawn?"
"Because the grass is growing so fast," Robert replied.
"What if this were a normal spring?" dad inquired.
"I'd have a lot more time for my video games!" Robert good-naturedly shot back.
"My promise about those shoes never applied to your level of performance on video games," dad said with a wry smile.
"I know, " Robert admitted. "I'm glad you're pleased with my lawn care. And you know, dad..." Robert started, then stopped for a second. He continued in a quiet, reverent tone, "I realize that if I get those shoes, they are a gift from God."
"How so?" asked dad.
"If God didn't grow the grass, I couldn't mow it. If it wasn't there to mow, I wouldn't have been able to show you how I could take really good care of the lawn. If I get those shoes, it's really a blessing from God."
Dad turned away briefly to keep Robert from seeing his eyes misting over. This was one of those precious moments that come all too rarely.
INSIGHT OUT
God's gifts come to us in such innocuous ways at times it is hard to notice. Hidden in the daily routines of life, the sunshine, the rain, mowing the grass, is a story of God's silent care (Matthew 6:30). Unless we make a conscious effort, we can miss these signs of God's grace.
The wonderful thing is, the blessings don't depend on whether or not we notice. God gives them freely to all (see Matthew 5:45; 10:8).
In a season when everything is coming alive, live the StewardLife. Let God's grace and gifts come alive in you as you look for the subtle ways He grants His grace.
EXERCISE
As you begin your spring activity, look for at least one hidden blessing from God in your routine chores: mowing the grass, washing the windows, cleaning the winter grime off the car, getting the leaves out of the flower beds and bushes.
