The Tiny Bee (10/3/2023)

One of my favorite things is the tiny glass charm of a bumble bee. My grandson gave it to me while we were in Door County on a family vacation. It means so much to me for several reasons. First, that an 11-year-old would think of his grandmother when he was shopping with his cousins is an endearing surprise. Second, that the gift has meaning in that bees are a part of my history; my father worked for Sioux Bee Honey and bees were a part of my life. Third, my grandson used the “trip money” I had given him to do fun things while on vacation to buy a gift for another.

I keep it on the eye level shelf of my lighted hutch that stands right next to my porch door, so I see it several times a day. It lightens my heart even on heavy days. It reminds me that the greatest gifts are the ones we don’t expect, the ones that just happen. It calls me to think of others, not just myself. For being such a tiny thing, it compels me to love large.

And it reminds me of the LORD’s gifts that are so easily missed or taken for granted. There is so very much in every day that I am grateful for that isn’t coincidence but rather providence. That little bee charm has made me a more grateful person overall. Daily, as I take time to thank the LORD for gifts that delight me, that sustain me, that call me to be more of the daughter I was created to be, I remember to thank the LORD for a child’s gift to me, as well.

There are huge moments in our lives of accomplishments or failures, of boons or busts, of blessings or challenges, and at times we fail to notice the little moments, the unexpected moments and gifts of others and of our LORD. And my years have taught me a lesson I hope I never forget; the happiest people I know are the grateful ones, the ones who appreciate surprises, the ones who recognize a blessing when they receive it.

This day, as we continue on our journeys of faith, buoyed by the hope in the promise of our LORD, and fueled by love, let us be people of gratitude especially for the little things, the unexpected things, the things that come our way that need not have. Let us be people of gratitude giving thanks to the LORD constantly and to others who share our journey and who give us cause to rejoice.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.