Blah to Beloved

The blahs: a feeling of physical uneasiness, general discomfort, or mild depression; malaise. –Dictionary.com

Blahs: a feeling of boredom, lethargy, or general dissatisfaction. –Merriam-Webster

Waking up this morning, I’m feeling the blahs. I get out of bed, and I wander to the bathroom to brush my teeth and my hair. I look in the mirror, I see my freckles, and smile a little, because I like my freckles. For a moment, that weary feeling has left. Briefly. But then it’s back. Blah. I’m still in my pajamas, so I walk over to my dresser, and take out one of my favorite shirts. It’s a pink tee with a super giant S logo, like superman. But since it’s pink, and a lady’s tee, I call it my superwoman or supermom tee shirt. My sons gave it to me on a Mother’s Day a couple of years ago. It’s soft and comfortable. Comforting. I look in the mirror again. My super tee isn't doing its job. I don't feel like super anything. I go to the kitchen and make me some coffee. I reach for a mug, and pour. I sit down and zone out for what I think is a minute, but it's much longer. As I’m drinking my coffee, I realize what mug I grabbed. It’s a white mug with the word Beloved written across the front. (I had it facing backwards when I poured.) And it has the scripture Zephaniah 3:17. I love reading this verse. Its one of my absolute favorites. I start thinking of my Mighty God rejoicing over me with singing. OK Lord, You’ve got my attention.

I love to sing. My mind drifts back to when my sons were growing up. When they were little boys, I was always singing to them. Two of my favorite songs that I’d serenade them with were Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Close to You” by the Carpenters. They'd giggle as I danced with my hairbrush mic and point to them while belting out the words. As I was singing over them, I would see them soaking the words up like sponges. I could see my little 3- and 10-year old’s hearts being filled right in front of me. Their eyes would sparkle.

As I’m thanking God for this memory, I glance over at my mug, and I think of my Mighty God rejoicing over me with singing. I react to the verse of God singing over me the same way my sons did when I sang over them. I’m soaking it in. The words are nourishment and Son-shine to my once blah- filled morning. And even though I may not audibly hear God’s voice singing, I do read it in His word.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1Peter 2:9

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask in the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“but God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Thank you Lord for reminding me I am your beloved daughter. Today I'm praying for your precious sons and daughters who are struggling. May they know without a doubt that You love them. Carry them, o God, and keep them close to You. I pray this is the Mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Love,

Jenny

On a side note, these songs are on both my adult sons' playlists. I'm smiling.