By Cathy Fenton

Lamentations
3:22-23 “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (NIV)

“God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, His merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!” (The Message)

I was remembering something that happened back in 2004. It was an ordinary day, nothing happening but the regular grind. I needed to do my grocery shopping, one of my not so favorite things to do. So, with list in hand I headed to the store, parked
the car and got out.

As I headed for the door, I noticed something. A smell; a sweet fragrance that made me stop and sniff the air. It was a pleasing
scent, fresh, new and it stirred something deep within me. The stirring was deep down in my soul, in my heart and my mind immediately thought, “I smell God!” It was fresh and clean and made me feel so alive and alert.

Thank you God, for the newness every morning you give to us. Thank you for your unfailing compassions. What started as an
ordinary dull day was made very exciting by a gift of a subtle reminder from my LORD that he is near. Needless to say, it was the best grocery shopping experience I have ever had.

A few years ago, my grandson Parker (who was 2 at the time) and I were enjoying the morning out on the patio. It was quiet except
for the chirping of a bird. Parker asked, “MeMe, what’s that?” I told him it was a bird singing praises to God for making him and taking care of him. He asked me where the bird was, because we could hear him but couldn’t see him. I told him I wasn’t sure, and we started looking up into the trees, trying to figure out where this bird was.

Suddenly, as if on cue, the reddest most beautiful cardinal landed on the patio right in front of us and was chirping and singing.
It was the same sound so we knew it was the same bird that we had been hearing. WOW!! Parker’s eyes lit up and he had the biggest grin on his face. This was just another subtle reminder of God’s presence, mercy and compassion. I am thankful that God chose that morning, that time and allowed me share it with my grandson.

I believe that God sends us these reminders so we don’t forget to focus on Him. We need to take the time to stop and open our
mind, our eyes, our ears and even our noses so we don’t miss God’s message to us that He is near. I don’t want to miss the reminders, the blessings or anything else that God has for me.

How about you, have you had any subtle reminders lately?

We don’t worship the creation, but the one who created it all! What makes you think of your creator?

I challenge you this week to be more alert and aware of your daily surroundings, God is closer than you might think. In what ways is He trying to get your attention?