Favorite Encouragements

"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, Silver white Winters that melt into Springs, These are a few of my favorite things" (1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein)

What things bring joy to you? Is it the favorite "things" you've stored up for yourself, like houses and furniture, Coach purses or hot cars? Maybe the parties you attend or friends you spend time with? I know...it's your job because you've worked so hard to climb the ladder? Are these your favorite things?

This morning my favorite things are a hot cup of tea on a very chilly morning, a soft blanket and the quietness of a still darkened house, while gazing at Christmas lights across the way - those hours right before the dawn. A time when I can be with my Lord and know that He has my best interests in mind, even on days when I'm brutal with myself.

Favorite things come in all shapes and sizes. Some favorite things are memories of days gone by. Days of laughter and giddiness - days of "sunshine and roses." Most of the time favorite things aren't tangible at all(unless you have a well-loved stuffed animal that you've kept all of these years!)

I'm reminded that my most favorite things are the voice of a school teacher who said, "great job"; the words of commitment whispered at my wedding; the coo of a new born baby; the gentle assurance that my God always loves me and always has my back.

This morning in the quiet of my house, I can clearly hear the words of my Lord in Psalms 119:103 which says, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth." Come to think of it, God's Word is my favorite thing. His word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. His word is sweet. His word instructs and disciplines. His word is full of promises and is always true. His word tells me what my future will be. His word never fails me or disappoints me. His word guards my heart and encourages me to go on in the midst of trials.

Spend some time today thinking about your favorite things - I think you'll find that they are not things made by the hands of man, but things that flow from the heart of God.