But in the Meantime…

I know you’re waiting on peonies, but in the meantime here are some tulips. I hope they bring you joy!

This morning as I grabbed my coffee, I made my way out to the garden in anticipation that the peonies would finally be in bloom. I have been anxiously awaiting their arrival and they were so close yesterday that I was sure today would be the day.

When I went outside, I was a bit disappointed to see that they were not quite ready. As I turned to go back into my office to start my work day, I noticed these tulips. They weren’t there before…

Last night after dinner, my husband went on a quick supermarket run. I was already upstairs when he returned, so I never saw everything he bought. He knew the peonies wouldn’t be ready and he knew I needed a tangible reminder of His joy, so he bought me tulips.

In my pursuit of the peonies, I walked right by them and didn’t notice they were there. I was so focused on that which was promised, that I missed the joy in what was in front of me. I was so wrapped up in that which I was desiring that I couldn’t see what was in my hands.

I remember the years I spent waiting to become a mother or waiting on the chronic pain to end and I remember being so angry. Looking back, I wish I spent more time cherishing the gifts that I had. I wish that I had stopped to acknowledge the tulips.

As I thanked my husband for such a thoughtful gift he said, “I know you’re waiting on peonies, but in the meantime here are some tulips. I hope they bring you joy.”

I’m praying for you dear friend. That as you wait on Him, His joy would find you even now. And that in the meantime, as you open your heart to Him, He would open your eyes and that you would find some tulips.

For this I prayed.