The drought in Texas is officially over...and in a big way. Torrential storms over the past week, on top of the previous weeks of rain, have flooded rivers and lakes that have been almost bone dry for nearly five years.
The storms only did a little bit of damage around my house, and I noticed that it knocked a baby horse-apple to the ground. Fully matured, these strange fruits are larger than grapefruits, and hard as rocks. They seem to have no real purpose, other than as conversation pieces, and as treats for one silly donkey in my pasture.
Our horse apple tree (officially a Bois D'Arc tree) produces fruit every year, even in the very worst drought years. Season after season, it drops these odd green balls onto the the ground.
And each year, I'm reminded of one of God's very best lessons to me: How to find the blessing in my life, even in the midst of drought.
I wrote about it a couple of years ago, and I'd love for you to take a minute to read it, because it's still good, good stuff.
How to find blessing in your life.
Listen, no matter what's going on in your life, somewhere there is some fruit growing. It might be hard to find, but look for it. Get yourself to where the fruit is, and position yourself for blessing. You can live in abundance, even when times are tough.
You can stand where fruit is falling. On a hot August day, in the middle of drought, there is fruit that looks like worthless, hard-as-rock oddities of nature.
But it is so. much. more. than that.
It is the "yet" that sets joy atop a mountain of trials, and plants a flag of triumph there for all to see. it is the "even though" that sees past the empty stalls and dried up fields and vines with no grapes, and sets its sights on a Savior who is always enough. It is the arrow that points to a God whose lavish grace gives and sustains life, and makes our feet dance upon the heights. It is the "I will" that chooses daily gratitude, and a heart that rejoices in His loving-kindness.
It is the secret of abundance.
p. 147, Flash, The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me About Life, Faith, and Second Chances
Are you in the midst of a drought? Do you feel parched and dry, like you'll never again experience the rain of goodness? Hang in there, my friend. The rains will come, and you will once again be filled to overflowing. Until then, remember that you are not alone, and that you can still experience abundance wherever you are. You are loved, deeply and completely.
Would you like me to pray for you? Leave a comment or drop me an email. I'll write each request down and lift you up today.
