Our family of five, including three teens, moved to a nearby city, so that John, my husband, could attend engineering college–he was a late bloomer at thirty-five. All aspects of our hectic family life challenged us to stay connected.
During the first week of my new job, which would be our meager income for the first semester, I looked up from my bank teller station to see my boss walking toward me with a package in her hands and a smile on her face.
“This delivery is for you, Nancy. I think it’s flowers”, Mary said.
Puzzled, I unwrapped the flower, a single peach rose, in a clear glass vase, my favorite color. My heart was full of joy over John’s loving gesture upon starting a new job and uncertain chapter.
Fast forward five years, an out-of-state move for John’s new job and a fresh start after three rough years of conflict behind us. Or so I thought.
Sitting in our large church sanctuary with over one hundred women, the excitement in the air created anticipation of what Linda Gregorino, the keynote speaker, would say. I don’t remember what she said. Discouragement blanketed me, and I felt like I had no one in my corner to help me fight a battle to regain closeness with John, lost during his college years.
After she spoke, Linda picked up her tapestry bag and slowly walked the aisles handing out an item and words of encouragement. I knew she wouldn’t be handing me anything in my unworthy state.
She headed toward my pew, stopped and looked in my direction.
Reaching into her bag, she pulled out an imitation peach rose and said, “It’s been a long time since you received a rose.”
Linda heard my gasp of astonishment and saw my tears fall. She had no way of knowing the significance of a single peach rose as she quickly moved to the next recipient of her gifts.
God spoke to my spirit, “Your husband may have forgotten, but I will never forget you.” I was wrapped up in God’s love, secure in being known and unforgotten.
Many years have passed with many gifts of flowers from my John. We are closer than ever.
Just when we think no one knows our struggles and sadness, God provides His reassurance in unique ways. Thank you, Linda Gregorino, and thank you, Father God.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)
Beautiful, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Anon. May I ask who this is?
DeleteBeautiful story of how God delights to speak words of love and comfort to us through someone who is led by his Spirit to us.
ReplyDelete