Breathe Deeply

On either side of my front steps grows a little patch of lily of the valley. Despite being trampled by small feet that cut across, right through the green leaves to the steps, it continues to grow. Every April and May up shoot little stems adorned with neat rows of dangling, delicate white bells. They are so dainty and so sweet to look at, but even more appealing is the aroma. I'm not sure how such a powerful fragrance can come from such a small flower. I cut a couple of stems, stuck them in a little jar, and put them in the window sill over the kitchen sink.

As I stand there on the sticky kitchen floor amongst the piles of dirty dishes, cluttery counters, and stacks of unsorted papers, it's tempting to become overwhelmed. And then the whining starts inside my head. "Will the work ever end? Why isn't anyone helping me? I'm pregnant, I should be sitting down with my feet up, reading a book and sipping on ice water. How am I raising such inconsiderate slobs?" It just gets ridiculous. Each thought feeding the next, the stench of my discontent creating a dark cloud of grumbling around me.

As I turn my head, a tendril of lily of the valley aroma finds it's way to my face. I breathe deeply. Such a sweet smell. A breath of fresh air in the middle of my mess. A reminder of the tender love of my God. Along with millions and billions of other species of plants, He decided to create these delicate, intricate, fragrant flowers. Why? He didn't have to. I am overcome with awe of His attention to detail and His mind blowing creativity. I turn my attention to the small beauties and suddenly the work doesn't seem so difficult. Suddenly I don't feel so alone and so overwhelmed.

I feel loved.