Deanna Beaver
Have you ever been disappointed? Have things not turned out the way you had planned? Is your health not the best? Do you wish you could choose a different path? Did someone inadvertently hurt your feelings? What about the job you applied for and didn’t get?
Consider yourself normal. Humans make mistakes. We are constantly comparing our circumstances to others. Disappointment is part of life. In my research, I have found that how you respond to these mishaps will determine your well-being.
I recently realized that being overtired or mentally exhausted might be a reason to overreact. This is a typical response. The only problem is that others don’t know what is happening in your personal space, and chances are, you don’t know what’s happening in theirs.
During one of these down times, my friend, who has been dealing with seizures, etc., for over a year, sent me a video, “Goodness of God” (Official Lyric Video)-Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson VICTORY youtube.com. She explained how grateful she was to be alive. I realized that this was a God Wink to me. If she could be thankful in her situation, I should also count my many blessings.
Sometimes, God may have to knock you over the head to get a point across. When I got in my car, “I’m So Blessed!” by CAIN worship band was playing on the radio. God Wink #2
As the day continued, errands were on the agenda. I stopped at Barnes & Noble for a gift. Of course, I give books as gifts. I found the perfect one: Feeling Grateful, How to Add More Goodness to Your Gladness by Kobi Yamada. God Wink #3. This book provides uplifting affirmations of being thankful on each page, illustrated with a little bear cub and its reactions. I highly recommend this book as a keeper. I may have to gift one to myself.
Walking with a lighter heart after my encouraging day, don’t you know God has a great sense of humor? My nighttime devotion referenced Psalms 100 about giving thanks. God Wink #4
There are so many things to be thankful for in our everyday lives. Sometimes, we need a God Wink to remind us. Just saying.
Please tell me about a God Wink in your life.
You. This article, is my God Wink. This week something happened that I thought was the end of the world. I’ve been feeling terrible all weekend. I woke up this morning, way too early, and saw this post. You are my God Wink. It will be ok. I will be ok. I can picture your face with a huge smile on it telling me everything will be ok. Thank you my friend.
Heather, thank you. That comment warms my heart. I need to take my own medicine at times.
During a stressful period of career, I was feeling inadequate and feared being fired. I was working late and arriving early only to feel more behind with my work load. One early dark morning on my way to work, I stopped at a red light next to a church. On the church side it said, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I immediately thanked God that I did have a job (at least for the moment) and smiled at the God wink I had experienced. Ironically on my arrival to work, I was summoned to my boss’s office. She said that she had reviewed my work load and offered extended time to complete the assignment. Sometimes we need eyes willing to see the wink and ears that hear God’s voice in everyday life.
Sarah, AMEN! You are exactly right. Stay focused on what is right before you on a daily basis.
Really love this post. God Winks are something I have come to anticipate with excitement. After coming home from 10 days in the hospital, not one but two, Luna Moths were on my doorstep. Thus won’t mean a thing to most, but as you well know, I have a horrible (or so I thought) bruise from an IV on my arm. When I held the moths, I realized they looked almost exactly like the bruise! And to top it off, it’s on the same arm as my first and dear to my hear tattoo…” always right here”.
Meredith, I concur. We have to be on the watch for God Winks. It is definitely exciting to recognize these gifts in our lives.
I don’t have any God winks to share but have enjoyed reading about these! I will keep myself open to any that may occur!
Patty, thanks for commenting. I have found that the winks are there, you just need to slow down and recognize them.
I am going to try to do this Deanna! Thank you for the article and your comments!
I spent this past week at the beach, and being in nature – especially by the ocean – always brings a sense of nearness to God. The sunrise, a cool breeze, my kids’ laughter are all God winks reminding me of His goodness. My favorite God wink this week was through my daughter’s words. We were relaxing together in a tide pool and she said “Mommy, let’s sing together. I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river in my soul…” “Are you feeling peaceful right now?” “Oh yeah!” A wink from God to catch the gift of this moment.
Allyson, that made my heart sing! I love songs and their meanings. Different experiences remind me of certain songs. Train up a child… You are doing a great job!
God winks are a beautiful part of our lives! When I think of God Winks I think of a text from a friend, a just because card in the mail, a “little happy” gift, kindness from a stranger, a warm hug, and kind smiles! Then I think have I given someone a reason to smile today!