Good Gifts

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As I sit here savoring the last sips of coffee post a relaxing Saturday brunch, I am reflecting on the overflowing gratitude in my heart for such simple joys. During the long weeks of a pandemic quarantine where Bruce has continued to work as normal and the girls and I are housebound, the weekend has become more precious than ever. In the days leading up to my scheduled C-section I focused on this weekend, where we'd be home all together just enjoying each other. Sometimes I'd let fear creep in. What if this weekend doesn't come for one of us? What if Bruce gets sick at work and cannot be at the delivery, or if something goes wrong during my surgery, or what if the baby has to stay in the hospital without us... Now, I know what is true. I know God is good and kind and always does right. But I also know that sometimes that doesn't look the way we want it. That knowledge filled me with doubt and anxiety, and I found it difficult to trust. A few days before my surgery I read Psalm 103, and it brought conviction to my heart and helped me release those feelings. I could surrender my sin of fear to Him and He would remove it far from me. I was no longer enslaved to that fear because He died to free me from it. More than that, He is a good Father Who does not respond to us based on our faithfulness to Him. So today, I reflect on His kindness and goodness. As a child satisfied and content with the acceptance and love of her parent, not based on anything I have achieved or earned. As a result, I am able to soak up every moment. The peaceful brunches as well as the baby cries in the night and endless chatter and giggles of two little girls. Life is a gift. And in this moment my heart is exploding with thankfulness to the One Who has given me mine. 
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”
(Psalm 103:8-14)
Danielle Dare enjoys walking alongside her husband in life and ministry. Her primary occupation is in caring for her three children, which she considers a joy and privilege! In addition, she finds her passion advocating for women and children in desperate situations through Trades of Hope, a missional fairtrade business. Her hobbies include exploring outdoors, floral arranging, and reading when time allows.

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