Moments in the Meadow--Be Glad for your Gourd
Jonah 4:6
And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, That it might be a shadow over his head to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.
Even though he'd gotten himself in a pickle, Jonah had had it rough! Think about it:
* 3 looooooong days in the belly of a great fish only to be violently vomited to shore. The whale couldn't have gotten too close to the shore, so Jonah had to be catapulted like a human cannonball. After his human flight, he literally hit the ground running. I imagine seaweed flying off him as he sailed through the air. (chuckle right here.)
*Having to preach doom and gloom to a city of people known to be very efficient at torture. He had no love in his heart for these violent heathens. Then, low and behold, they repent and turn to God. It definitely wasn't something Jonah expected.
Forty days had flown by and Jonah was tired, (or as we say in the South--tard!!). He was tired physically from all the preaching, running and just normal Christian leader duties that accompany a true revival. His voice was hoarse from the crying aloud and desperation as he preached. His spirit was tired. More than likely he'd heard many sad, harsh confessions as repentance flowed throughout the city. His soul was tired. It takes a lot out of preachers when they are instructed by a loving and just God to preach against sin.
Jonah sat down. God sprung up a gourd. Isn't that just like God? When you sit down without any intention of going on, He gives you shade, rest and a blessing. A friend calls out of the blue, or a card amongst a pile of bills pops out at you. Maybe you're able to physically it outside under the canopy of a sweet shade tree and just meditate on His goodness.
Who or what is your gourd today?
Yesterday, a friend I hadn't talked to in a least 30 years called and we talked as if no time had lapsed between us. She is a few years older than me and she used to take me home after sitting with me at church. I was her "little sister" with my "angelic countenance" and "sweet smile". (her words--her words) I'd had a hard few days and God knew I needed a gourd. (Wonder what she'll think when I tell her she's a gourd?) Her time is the only price she paid to deliver me from my grief. Like a bird taking flight, grief left this body and I felt amazing! What a God!
Who do you need to be a gourd to?
God is whispering gently in your ear to send a card, buy a coffee for someone, babysit for that young couple or single mom or just smile at each person you meet today. There are so many hurting people around us. Be a kind gourd. Be a generous gourd. Be the kind of gourd that a person will know that God planted it and had it shade them from their grief.
YOU CAN DO IT!
The Daisy Deed todfay is to be glad for your gourd or the chance to be a gourd. Accept what God has in store. Write down what you are thankful for. Ask God to show you someone you can be a gourd to. Surrender to His love. You will not be sorry.
Joyfully,
Dianne