2/17/08

Teeny Tiny Shoes

Today after church, Charis was taking a nap and I was picking up around the house. I rounded a corner at the top of the stairs, and at the sight of her teeny tiny shoes, I was filled with gratefulness for my little girl. I had a moment. You know the kind I am talking about. The moments when you are struck with God's kindness, in ways you cannot express.

Let's take a breather from the busyness that puts us into go-mode twenty-three hours a day, and thank God for the specific graces he has bestowed on us. Maybe patent leather shoes don't stir your heart to thanksgiving, but let's start this week with eyes looking for God's blessings in our lives.

8 comments:

janelle said...

Jen, thanks for this great reminder as we all head into yet another busy week sure to be filled with lots of "to-do's" But yet God has really blessed us and it's so important to take that time to thank Him for all He's done and draw closer to Him...

Sandy kimmel said...

Many years ago, many many years ago, I read a book "Papa's Wife" I think. Every night the mom would polish and clean seven (I think) pairs of little shoes. And every night as she shined those shoes and readied them for the next day she would pray for her children individually and specifically. I often thought of that as my guys were growing up. I never had to polish sneakers, or sandles; but their shoes and boots made me think of all the places they may have been and all the places they would go some day in the further. So yes, there has always been a soft place in my heart for little shoes and even size 12 muck boots now. Treasure those tiny patent leather shoes. Those moments are truely keepers.
sandy kimmel

Jen said...

Thanks, Auntie Janelle. You're a huge encouragement.

Jen said...

Sandy,
There is something helpful for us forgetful ones, in associating praying with something we do all the time (like polishing shoes:) It is a reminder to pray for our family members. I'll have to think about that more. Now you probably have both little and big shoes around your house!

Briana Almengor said...

We had a similar "moment" last night..actually, it was my husband as he tends to stop for those moments more than I do. He'll always say something like, "Love, do you remember when we had a little girl with tiny shoes outside her bedroom door?" as if we're years past that moment already...just to make me realize that one day we will be and to stop to enjoy the gifts God's given us in the here and now.

Jen said...

You pointed out something I hadn't thought of in this situation. I DO want to enjoy all that God has blessed us with in this given season. Stephen is good to remind me to enjoy each stage Charis is in, and not to continually be looking forward to what she will do next.

I hear you get to see the Herman clan soon! Enjoy:)

Mark Altrogge said...

Jen,

This post made me cry.

Jen said...

My eyes often well up in tears as well, as I ponder God's lavish kindness to me.