Mercies in disguise

I did not appreciate many of the hardships of growing up on a farm--a poor one--the third of four girls.  Lots of work to be done, and no funds for hired help.

 Yes, I milked cows, drove tractors at age 12, baled hay, and fed cattle.  Those were our ‘man’ chores.  The easy ones were vegetable gardening--I really did not like digging potatoes--canning and lawn mowing.

 Looking back, I recognize God’s tender mercies in disguise.  Learning a persistent work ethic, appreciating out door beauty from the scent of tulip trees and spring rain, to lightening carved skies.

 What about you, my friend?  Reflect on your hardships for a moment.  Can you glimpse tender mercies in disguise?  What are you learning?  What new compassion is growing in you?  Hard times are often God’s tender mercies.

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