"Like the proud mother who is thrilled to receive a wilted bouquet of dandelions from her child, so God celebrates our feeble expressions of gratitude."
~ Richard Foster~

How often do we 'become as little children' and give ourselves to God without pretense? ...just like our own precious little ones that bring us those tokens of affection? ...dandelions, a melted piece of chocolate clenched tightly in the fist so it can be saved for mama, a hand drawn picture with scribble writing, a song played on the harmonica...

It's easy to belittle oneself and think that our own offerings of love are meaningless. We don't have to have a 'great and mighty' ministry and a man made title to please God. We are doing what God has called us to already if we focus on our homes and children, teaching and training our little ones in the fear of the Lord and making our homes a place of peace and rest for our husbands and children to rest in.

Do you ever just sit down and enjoy looking at the tiny bugs and leaves in your yard with your children--telling them about the wonderful Creator as you do? Perhaps that is like the handful of dandelions.

Do you ever sit down with your husband or children and offer them some cookies and milk, a listening ear and  some heartfelt prayer after a long hard day-- without telling your own problems? Perhaps that is like the fistful of chocolate offered to your Father as you care for the family He has given you.

Do you ever sit and write prayers and thoughts to the Lord in a journal or even a scrap of paper? Wouldn't He like to get love notes like the ones our children give us?

Do you ever sing or hum praise songs or hymns while you wash dishes?

Perhaps that is like the little song puffed out on the harmonica that a child plays for his parents.

God doesn't want us to say: "I'm not a writer, I'm not an artist, I'm not a singer" He wants us to realize that we are wholly His and wholly made by Him, to  bring honor to Him in whatever we do.

So, cast aside the pride and the worry that you don't measure up to some man made standard, and give Him everything you've got without pretense.

Today I want to sing while I work and share some cookies with someone, and listen to my children.:-) What simple things can you do?

Sunydazy