Finally. The daffodils are blooming and that means that we made it through winter. The warmth of sunshine filled days fills us with new hope.
Just a few years ago, one day in late February, I was anticipating the end of our journey. Ethan’s next bronchoscopy was in a few weeks and we would find out whether or not he was getting his trach removed. But then it happened. He got sick. Pneumonia…again. I was frustrated, certain that our journey would continue.
I set out for some quiet time. Tied my sneakers and hit the sidewalk for some serious one-on-one conversation with our Lord. Now, I’m no runner. I possess no athletic ability, but for some reason, I had a desire to run. So off I went, pounding each step with the frustration I was experiencing. Before I knew it, I was halfway up the hill, almost to the end of my neighborhood. And it hit me. I was doing something I was sure I could never do. I was running, up a hill…and still breathing!
And then, these words entered my mind. Endurance. Perserverenc. STRENGTH. Three characteristics I thought I didn’t have. God was reminding me that through Him, because of this journey, He was developing this in me.
As I turned out of my neighborhood, I spotted these tiny green patches poking up through the brown, dry grass along the side of the road. Daffodils were beginning to sprout. The sign of spring’s approach.
And then I thought about the daffodils that God placed in my path all along this journey with Ethan. The friends who popped up with an encouraging word at just the right moment. The nurses that nurtured me along with my baby in the hospital and in my home. The Scriptures that brought light to my darkest hours. Beautiful flowers, promising warmer days ahead although the weather was still cold and the days still cloudy.
The Bible says in II Corinthians 1: 3-5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”
Everytime I see a daffodil, whether in patches beautifully landscaped in a yard or randomly popping up alongside the road, I’m reminded of those who comforted me throughout Ethan’s journey.
Who are your daffodils?
And if your journey has ended, as mine has, remember that God’s Word encourages us to be a daffodil for others in need of comfort.
Thank you, Lord, for the many daffodils you’ve purposefully placed along my path. Lord, may I be a daffodil too, bringing the comfort and encouragement that comes through your love to someone who may need it.