©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Sometimes it only takes one.
The bright red rose began to bloom in my garden just before Easter. Its bud held promise.
When that rose finally opened in its fullness, it was gasp-worthy! Layers of beauty surrounded by green leaves signifying life.
That one caused me to pause in awe of the Creator. To be reminded of the beauty in the world.
By truly seeing and experiencing one of God’s gifts, His goodness came to the forefront of my mind.
Sometimes it only takes one.
One encouraging comment to brighten another’s perspective.
One smile to make someone feel seen.
One phone call or text to make a lonely person feel connected.
One hug to make a hurting person feel supported.
One hand to help a person in need.
One song to reawaken a happy time in the past.
One compliment to stimulate confidence.
One handwritten note to let someone know they’re appreciated.
One visit to a shut-in who feels isolated and alone.
One grip of a grieving widow’s hand.
One meal – or banana pudding or chocolate chip cookies – to say “I care” to someone who’s recovering from an accident or illness.
One invitation to coffee, to church, to chat.
One flower bulb to encourage hope for the future.
One offer to help.
One kind word.
One book shared.
One thank you sent.
One uplifting thought.
One prayer said.
One at a time, we can…
Show love. Share love. Give love.
Be love.
In doing so, we remind each other of the greatest love of all.
The One who created what’s beautiful. Gives the gifts. Loves deeply, eternally.
Each one of us can help others…
See good.
See God.
Sometimes it only takes one.
The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. It will blossom abundantly and will also rejoice with joy and singing…They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35: 1-2 HCSB
- What have you seen or experienced lately that caused you to pause in awe of God? Reminded you of the goodness of God? The gifts of God?
- In Isaiah 35 (above), what are the two parallel visuals? How have you experienced that? Where are you now?
- Reflect on the following Scripture and the personalization and reverence in it: I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2
- What experience have you had recently that let you know God loves you and cares for you?
- In the list of “one” actions above, which ones have you been blessed by this year? Which ones have you blessed someone by doing? Which one will you do this week?
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. -Jesus- John 13:34-35
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
*Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are from New International Version (NIV)