Blessings of abundance

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. -Psalm 37:4

In the past two days I have: settled problems with tuition at school, taught a bible study for high school girls, seen a movie that I have been so excited to see, made plans to go to a basketball game, talked to someone who I would consider a mentor and spiritually encouraging, and caught up on some really great reading. This is what I have learned from those very simple, every day things...

God blesses us in countless ways every day. He is constantly pouring into us from the people we talk to the the things we do. Maybe I am being extravagant to say that straightening out tuition problems is a blessing, but in truth, it is. I did not realize the stress I was feeling until I hung up the phone and felt excited to start school for the first time. I have been teaching the girl's bible study for over a year now, but last night as I was driving away, I realized how much God poured into me as I was trying to pour into the girls. I felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction in Christ and a new joy and excitement for the bible studies yet to come. I did not realize how happy it can make you feel to go to a movie with a dear friend, and how rewarding it is to allow yourself the time to do that. I saw Leap Year (which was so wonderful by the way!) with a wonderful friend, and as we sat there watching, I understood in a new way why God gave us friends and free time- we all need a little time to slip into the world of happy endings every now and then to help us let go of the stress and pressures of real life, even just for 2 hours, and who better to do that with than a really good friend?! I made plans to go to a Memphis basketball game, which of course is always exciting, but even more so, to spend time in fellowship with great friends- this is always a blessing! I talked to a person who has always been spiritually encouraging to me, and who helped me see some things in a new way. God was teaching me through this person and it was so evident. Also, I had time before bed, after phone calls were made and text messages stopped coming, to read some of the book I've slowly been working my way through. The time to spend by myself, relaxed with no need to entertain, talk, satisfy, or even think!, was what I have been needing. 

Anyway, now that I have rambled about my day, I hope you see what I've learned from those things. God blesses us every day. We just have to look at those every day things in a new light. We have to allow ourselves to be blessed by him. He loves us and wants us to be happy. We just have to allow that for ourselves. Let Him in, get to know Him, let Him fill you up again... even if it's just a movie or solving a problem!