An Offering. Broken, Mangled, and Infused With the Fragrance of Love

The sweetest offering is from the heart.

My little one climbed precariously up the front steps which must have seemed larger than life to those chubby little legs. At times, my toddler used all fours to crawl to the top, never letting go of the love offering he gripped in his hand — wildflowers he and his daddy had picked for me.

At eight months pregnant I was great with child and short with patience. Twice that day frustration overflowed with my little guy — nothing bad, but nothing he deserved either. Irritability was the color of the day.

My husband arrived home in the early evening. He took one look at my face then looked at my son and said, “Hey big boy! Let’s go to the park, okay?”

Bless him.

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An hour to myself was just what I needed to rest, refresh, and renew. And now my little one was climbing/crawling up the steps with his gift of love. The flowers bounced along with each step, drug over concrete, occasionally smushed under a knee. He made it to the top and grinned. Then my little one handed me the most beautiful bouquet I’ve ever seen — broken, mangled, and infused with the fragrance of love.

He wrapped his arms around my knees and hugged me tight. “I sorry Mommy.”

My heart melted and tears flowed.

How often does the Lord receive our fragrant love offerings that come to him broken and mangled as we drag them behind us? Is there anything more precious to Him than a offering from His little one?

Sometimes the most precious offering is broken and mangled.
Sometimes the most precious offering is broken and mangled.

He doesn’t look at the gift.

He looks at the heart.

He looks at the heart and embraces us with His love.

I think of the times I’ve thrown a tantrum or expressed my disappointment to the Lord — in defiance, I might add. I remember His longsuffering with me as I learn to submit to His authority in my life. And then I remember that He is God and that He loves me in spite of myself.

That’s a good thing to remember, isn’t it?

And when I take time to remember, it’s easy to bring Him my offering of the heart. Even though it may be broken and mangled, the fragrance of my love blesses Him, for I am His little one and He is my Father.

And oh what a good, good Father He is!

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Nan Jones

Nan Jones is an author/speaker who uses the words of her heart to assist fellow Christians in discovering the Presence of God in their darkest hour. She has been published in several anthologies as well as the online inspirational sites Christian Devotions, and Inspire a Fire where she is a monthly contributor. She is also a monthly contributor to PW Connections, a blog and forum to encourage pastors' wives. Nan has had the honor of being featured as a guest blogger on several sites. She is thrilled to announce her debut book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife released June 30, 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. This memoir was a 2016 Selah finalist. When Nan isn't writing, she enjoys leading prayer retreats, bible studies or sharing God’s love as keynote speaker for special events. She is becoming known by her brand: "Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord" as she teaches her audience to go beyond the veil to find God's Presence. You may visit Nan at her website: www.NanJones.com. Nan has also created a facebook community page, Seeing Beyond The Veil, to provide a place for folks to go and get away from the chaos for a few moments and focus on Jesus through scripture, worship, testimony, and inspirational quotes. For personal communication you may email Nan at nan@nanjones.com The Perils of a Pastor's Wife is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and LPC Bookstore

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