fruit

Saturday, May 7, 2011 (8:00 a.m.)

Most Incredibly Loving Lord,

Thank You! Thank You for love. For joy. For peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. And self-control. Yes Lord. Thank You for fruit. The fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Who knew? We I guess YOU did! All along. Truly, inexplicably guided by Your Holy Spirit I batted a thousand this past week. Two children. Two bouquets of flowers. Both of them completely unexpected.

Lord God, I confess that through the years I have actually come to doubt [far more times than I can count] my approach to parenting. I’ve worked at my attempts to be guided by Your Spirit. I’ve mined and sifted through Your Word – and just like the husband has so often said throughout the years – found what it is I believe and then stand firmly on that.

This time Lord, there were no attempts. On both of these occasions I truly was just doing what seemed the right thing to do at the time. Our son wanted us to see him perform a role he was truly enjoying, so we went. Our daughter was home this year on her birthday. We had the chance to join her for dinner and we took advantage of that opportunity.

In both of these instances I was honored. Surprised by bouquets of flowers, thanking me just for being me.

You did this Lord! You produced this kind of fruit in me. Other people’s children have thanked me this week [and previously as well] for the role I have played in mothering them. It’s You Lord. Your Holy Spirit working Your will in me.

Thank You. Thank You for Your blessed surprise of sweet fruit Dear Lord. The Life Recovery Bible has this to say in a devotion titled Self-control. “Self-control is called a fruit. Fruit doesn’t instantly pop out on the tree. As the tree grows and seasons pass, the fruit naturally develops. As we continue to follow God’s guidance, taking one step at a time, our self-control will naturally grow. Our job is to stay connected to God. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to produce the fruit of self-control in our life.”

Thank You Lord. Thank You for keeping me connected to You all these years that I would truly experience the exquisitely sweet fruit of Your Holy Spirit. I love You so very much Dearest Lord. And I am so incredibly thankful. Thank You. Amen.

(413 words ~ 8:55 a.m.)