Monday, February 01, 2010

Pink

If we don't find Him in the small things, how will we ever find Him in the big ones? ~Elisabeth Elliot
Eliana, come look!

I call to her from my seemingly perpetual post at the kitchen sink.

And she's heard this summons before, at this same hour, so she gasps and jumps to her feet, long legs and long braids flying.

I wipe my hands and bend to lift her, legs and braids and all to my hip so she can reach the window.

And as always, she looks past blurry glass and over power lines and chicken coops and big white barn and sees...

Oh, just for me, right Mama?

And I nod and nuzzle her soft cheek with my nose and look long.

Pink, she breathes. The setting sun has lent a pink shawl to the mountains, slow blush creeping up her high peaks.

We've told her that He sends pink in the sky just for her, knowing (for He knows all things!) how very much she loves that color.

And she claims the gift and delights in it whenever she can. He sent the pink, just for me! she marvels again and again.

Because, didn't He?
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
And when my arms tire and I shift to lower her, she reaches for the window and plants a kiss on it for the sunset, turns green eyes heavenward for Him and says, Thank you, God!

And this is how I see today. Through streaky glass, over power lines, past smelly chicken coops, peeling paint on neighbor's old barn... through the pink sky and right into the Heart that loves my girl so much, He sends the pink just for her.

Hands full of suds and heart full of girl, I turn to my work and thank Him for fresh perspective.

And claim the gift of eyes drawn up and out.

Pink is my favorite color, too.


28 fellow travelers shared:

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

You are kin of my heart, sister of my song, Elise...

Pulling up the pink shawl over shoulders here too, Elise... a prayer shawl of praise.

All my love, always,
Ann

Sharon @ Hiking Toward Home said...

His gifts are so amazing! what a beautiful post. So often I forget to spend moments like these with my kids and that makes my heart ache. Thanks for the reminder.
We just moved into a home where we get the sunrise and the sunset all from our kitchen windows. It is so beautiful that I try to never miss watching them.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post!! How I wish I had taken more advantage of such gifts when my son was little.

Anonymous said...

My little girls see pink often, Momma needs to look for pink.

Very pretty post.

Thank you
Kathi

heidi @ wonder woman wannabe said...

What a precious image - so true, there are 'good and perfect gifts' abounding for us ALL if we would only quiet our spirits long enough to take notice.

Linda said...

Oh Elise, precious girl, how you warm my heart. The screen is all blurry as I read the words of your heart.
We look to Him and He gives us eyes to see the wondrous gifts all around us. You are sharing that vision with your sweet little girl and giving her priceless treasure.
Pink is my favorite color too.

Christine said...

I get so excited when I see you've written a new post! Always, always a pleasure to see into your heart.

I love to call them all to the window to see how God dresses up winter for us.

Tracey said...

God is so good to send each of us what we need at just the right time. So well said!

jenny said...

Yet another beautiful installment for that book you're going to write (please?).

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

There's nothing like God's artwork. And yes, he sends the pinks and violets and oranges just for us.

Sidnie said...

Simply beautiful words leave me teary eyed!
Since the first time I stepped on German soil, and road in a car on the autobahn, I said that Germany green is much, much different than USA green. The green here is absolutely beautiful, breathtaking almost. I've thought that God sent this green, sent me to this green as a gift.
Green is my favorite color, just as yours and hers is pink.

To God be the Glory... :)

Meagan said...

Such a beautiful story! Thank you for the much needed reminder to look for God in the small things.

Have a blessed day!

Anonymous said...

So beautiful. What a picture!

miel & company said...

this got me all teary eyed. so sweet and innocent.

HisFireFly said...

Simply beautiful!

Dawn said...

oh how lovely... i love every color sky, but i think the pink ones speak to me most...

Beth said...

I'm with you- God gives us personal gifts, even though lots of people might see them. What I love most about your story is that you take the time to call your daughter to see the pink God gave her.... you're teaching her to love and to see God.

Beverly said...

Beautiful thoughts for all ages!

Anonymous said...

You have a such a gift with words. What a blessing to read your posts...a moment of respite in my day.
Blessings to you,

Jamie

Erin said...

Oh, I love this. Just love it. :)

dawn said...

This is so beautiful! How wonderful that you take the time to notice God's gifts and point her little heart toward Him. Even in the midst of dishes.

Oh, and I love Elizabeth Elliott!

This is my first visit to your blog and it is so cute. I'll be back.

Cathy said...

We are on the same heart-page! I just wrote about God's personal love, too. Isn't He just the bestest? xoxo

Carrie said...

love the quote... love the post... love your heart...

Blessings, my friend.

Stacy said...

I loved this post. [And I think you're such a kindred because I've told my children the same thing~ about God painting the sky just so for them!]

Love to you, friend..

LLJ said...

Ah! Pink is a wonderful gift! What a beautiful post and a wonderful reminder to look for the gifts that God gives every single day. I just wrote a post about how much I love pink and Kathi Bailey linked me to you! I am so happy she did!
Leanne

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

That is so funny to me as my husband does not like the color pink and calls me when he sees such a sunset... only to complain about God's use of color. :)

Unknown said...

Wow. You write so beautifully! I love that God made the pink sky just for your little princess!

Rieshy said...

Thanks for this!

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