Happy Sabbath, friends. The air is cool today, and I’m actually sitting outside in a light sweater. It is glorious, I tell you. As much as I love the growing season, there is just something so nice about wearing a soft sweater or a warm knit skirt. I guess these are a few reasons why I enjoy it when fall rolls around.

Over the past few years, I’ve learned firsthand that despite the painful things in this life, the Lord can fill our cups to overflowing. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) Despite the sorrows, despite the trials, despite the suffering…the Lord is good. And He has good plans for our lives.

The beauty of simplicity astounds me. I have experienced so much growth during the last decade or so. I can now sit outside and revel in the loveliness of my sweater and of the bird’s call. This wouldn’t have been me in the past. But when I learned to quiet my soul and listen to His voice, something amazing happened. I realized that all of God’s blessings are right under our noses. He has given them to us freely, and we do not need to constantly look for the next “big” thing to fill our lives.

Some may argue that I’m talking this way since I’m getting older. But no. I know this is from God. I know that He has filled my life with mercy and grace, and has shown me a better way. His way.

I feel like I hardly deserve His goodness, and yet He gives it to me freely. I just need to let go of the preconceived notions I had about my life, and follow His path instead.

We often do not think about the blessings we have taken for granted. Even things like breathing fresh air and having the ability to think and feel are huge blessings from our Father.

And even though we have been living in a huge project of a house for nearly two years now, I realize it is a blessing. It has provided us with shelter and been a sanctuary. I have so enjoyed searching our woods for medicinal plants lately. I have been surprised at what I have found! Blessings are everywhere, friends.

I hope that the sweetness of the Sabbath surrounds you today.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8