Blessing from a sunday afternoon

Through the years i've had a lot of different blogs, but haven't had one lately that would be in my name. For several reasons i have blogged under a hidden name for a while now. But at the same time, i so wish to share my thoughts and words with friends and people i know. So here's an attempt to do that.
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The usual sunday for me means, i get up at around 5:30 or 6am, i know-i know, why so early? Well, because i am really slow at waking up. I take my time to have a warm drink and let my brain slowly get awakened. So same as usual, i got up. But this time, i have a headache. And have had that for a week now. (And yes, i have already heard that i should a) take a painkiller; b) go to a doctor; c) take a sick leave; d) rest.) But still counting on God to answer mine and my friends prayers for this.
Anyway, it's really hard to do anything with a headache. And those who know me, know that i am usually cheery, smiling, energetic person who tries her best to be shining light to everyone around her. But right now i have tried to hide behind sunglasses and when i am home and not doing anything important - hiding under my blanket in bed in a dark room.
So anyway, got up, had herbal tea and breakfast. (trying to stay away from caffeine to see if that helps the headache to leave) And off to work. And i do get to work rather early, because that's where i usually have my time with God. Read my Bible, devotional, my disciple book and journal and pray. Chill out and chat with Jesus. It's a really good place to do that, especially on work days.
But hey, here's me with a headache and tyring to focus on reading. Nope, didn't work. So giving myself a break and refusing to take on that guilt of not getting time with God done properly, i instead listened to worship music and just relaxed.

So after work i went to my church. Oh i love these people in my church! So after team prayer, i stepped into my normal position there as a greeter on one of the doors.
Yes, i have a headache. But i still serve, as best i can. Brave/stubborn estonians you know. Anyway, i do my best to greet people, and there weren't many this time. One of the girls who is rather new i think, went out and said "i'll be back soon". To which i replied "okay! Good to know!" :) And off she went.

She indeed came back rather quickly munching on something. So here's me being cheesy as our pastor suggested "there you are!" wink wink ;) Also asking if she went out to eat.  And laughing with her. She laughed. Nice to make people laugh right? So anyway, we briefly spoke about Alpha retreat and how i wished i could come, because by the talk of it, it sure sounded fun! But finances aren't that great for me right now. So she said she just came from the ATM to get finances for the Alpha retreat coming up.
So anyway, service started and passed, me trying to focus with a headache. After the service the girl comes to me and says: "Hey, you know i said i went to get money for Alpha retreat and you said you wish you could come, but can't afford?" Me: " yeah?"
So she goes on to explain how she got double what she wanted from the ATM, go figure how, BUT she offered to pay for me! What? Me asking: "are you sure?!" And she sure was sure. What a blessing! I mean, i've never been on a retreat before. I've been on Alpha course several times, and helped to organize them. But never had anything like this before. So now, i am so humbled, grateful and super excited about that! And just had to write about that! Whoop whoop! :)

Oh and yes, the headache is still here. But that doesn't stop me from being excited on the inside.

Reminds me of a verse in James 1: 2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

 Yes it's hard to see blessings when you feel like you have a personal dark cloud walking with you - the headache. Or when life just seems to throw sticks and stones at you. But they are there. I just encourage you to pray to notice them.

And also that verse, helps us to remember, that there sure are a lot of worries, troubles, tragedies, heartaches in life, and they keep coming BUT there is also a good result from it. It sure will make us stronger! And helps us grow. Bonus points if you learn to be joyful in the midst of troubles! :)

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Another lady from church asked me how i am. And sure i could've answered: "i'm fine" which would be okay most times, because that's what people usually do. But i said, i have a headache. And explained to her what was going on. Turns out she has studied medical stuff for four years and asked me where the pain was and what could cause it and then took the time to pray for me! I can tell a lot of people about how it hurts, how i don't know what to do with it, how it occupies me and distracts me, but not many take the time to pray. After all we are christians and we are called to help each other out, even if it is a simple prayer. I really appreciate an active church like that. Where i know i see christians living their faith, being active and serving. Such blessings in my sunday afternoons to have brothers and sisters of Christ surround you and be there for you. Each in their own way, in their own time. Some pray for you, some encourage you, some invade your personal space to kiss you on your forehead (and you don't mind), some just smile to you. But i love that church and these people! I count myself blessed!

Well there we go. One post, one blog, one woman. Randomly sharing what is on my mind and heart.


 God bless you!
*Mirjam *