Stop and Smell the Roses

My title reflects the words Cheryl said to me today when I lamented about all that has gone wrong in less than a week. Then when I told her flowers had just been delivered to my home and how beautiful the peach-colored roses are, she told me it was God's way of telling me to stop, slow down, take time to smell the roses, count my blessings, fix my eyes on the positives.

I needed that reminder. My day started with a call from my son, Ron, informing me that our business had been robbed of approximately $3,000 in materials needed to do our jobs. Replacing those materials can be added to an already growing list of business needs that must be met. I felt overwhelmed and very disappointed in the human race. Then, I felt hot. The A/C unit had completely died an untimely death.

Robin contacted the service company he uses and we were told there was no point in trying to fix the unit. We were quoted a price for a new unit and the needed upgrades for the attic portion of the A/C. Would you believe it was only a few hundred dollars less than the oil and gas lease check I was supposed to pick up today? I had that money earmarked for other needs. I never dreamed that large sum of money would be gone the same day it was received. Especially, since our A/C unit had been replaced about eight years ago.

We sweltered in the heat all day while the new A/C was being installed. Finally, we left to sign the contract for the oil and gas lease. I was told I didn't have all the documents I needed since the house is in my deceased husband's name. I brought a death certificate and other forms I felt would be needed, but neglected to move heavy things in the closet to retrieve our wills. Mind you, the heart attack was five days ago and I wasn't up to having another one so soon.

Robin has now cleared the way for me to reach the file cabinet so I can get the wills and show up again on Thursday for the signing. But the question remains. Why did the unit go out and consume money we needed for other things? Why do things cloud my way when I think I'm finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel?

Cheryl and I discussed the other side of this issue, the one that pointed to God and His perfect timing. Is it that odd that a major expense happened on the very day we were going to come into enough money to cover it? Shouldn't I be thankful that it happened this way? Shouldn't I trust God to solve my other problems, the ones this check was meant for? In spite of the heart attack, the theft, all the broken pieces in my life, blessings still abound.

This wonderful dinner was made for us by two of our neighbors, Yvonne and Jean. I was very touched when Yvonne called to tell me they would be feeding us tonight. It kept me out of the kitchen and off my feet and we enjoyed every little bite. The flowers, a gift from the bank where I have my business accounts, was another blessing. Like Cheryl said, God wanted me to stop today, amid all the problems and concerns, and smell the roses.

Another blessing, one very unexpected, was hearing from a woman I'd met once at Deborah's pool party. She was told of my plight and immediately offered meals, help, groceries, doctor visits, even a night in her house in a cool room had our A/C not been fixed. Paula was adamant about helping in any way she could. We've met once. Once. God spoke to me today through her and her unselfish kindness. What a spirit-filled woman who responds to God when he leads her to someone she hardly knows. Her correspondences with me through the day have uplifted me. I've been blessed. I have a new friend that I'm very proud of. Thank you, Paula.

So, where does all of this leave me? I'm not sure, but I will trust God with the answers and praise Him for the ways He has called out to me today in the form of dinner, flowers, friends, a sister, my children, and yes, even showing me where to put the big check.