I had been completely oblivious to his presence as he snuck up behind me. His words caught me unaware, leaving me nauseated and dizzy as if from a blow. It was a sucker punch from behind and as I reeled around to face my assailant I reached out to steady myself.
Hot tears filled my eyes as I stood before my attacker. There he stood, all 4 feet something of him, with those big blue eyes, and gobs of unruly blonde hair. He looked at me for a moment with his hands on his hips before he launched his final assault.
“Mom, I just want you to smile, okay?”
I dropped the pile of linens I was attempting to fold and pulled my son toward me in a warm embrace.
He was right, it had been a while since I had felt free enough to laugh or even smile. Life had been rough the past month and to top it all off I had been pretty sick. No, There was not much to smile about these days. Apparently, my sensitive son noticed it. Not much gets past that little guy and it would be him who would have just the right words to stop me dead in my tracks and help me rethink my position on life in the midst of the current storm we found ourselves fighting.
Even after I asked for forgiveness and made some very big and silly smiles to cheer him up I knew it would not be enough to change everything and yet somehow it was. As I lifted all things heavy and burdensome to the Lord that day in prayer, the weights I have been trying to carry on my own became weightless in His Omnipotent grace.
What about you? Where is your smile today? No matter where your heart is hiding today, He is there waiting to give you your joy back. Take my advice for guaranteed success in this one area today.
Stop, Drop and Pray.
Peace, purpose and His guiding presence be yours in abundance today.
Stasia is mother to six beautiful children and wife to a dedicated, loving husband. They have served as a family together on the mission field on four continents for nearly 30 years. Stasia’s passion is to share in true colors the grace of God in her life. You can read more about her and the ministry of the Women’s Bible Cafe. Stasia is the CEO of LifeVerse Books and you can Subscribe to LVB to receive regular free and discounted book deals and timely reviews. If this article has blessed you in any small way, please consider showing your support by clicking subscribe in the upper right corner. Copyright© 2015 Stasia Nielsen All Rights Reserved
Find articles written by Missionary Mom Stasia Nielsen as she shares her journey of hope and grace. Get an inside peek at her adventures on the mission field, raising children and cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus. Follow along and discover her amazing testimony! 
A much needed reminder that when things are going as planned He may just have a better plan for me. Hope you are feeling better my special friend. and everyday I do stop drop and pray and a lot of time pray as I am working.<3
Thank you for sharing this Joanna, I am feeling fantastic because He is my source. Love and prayers. Stasia
So great to meet you Stasia! Dropped in from the #bloggercaregroup. I loved your post- especially the pic- Don’t let the pain of your past- the prospect of your future or your present chaos rob you of all God has for you! #TRUTH #anchor #grace hugs and blessings to you and yours!
Dearest Cindy,
Thank you so much for dropping in. I love that we get to share our stories this way. May the Lord richly bless you. Let’s keep in touch. Love and prayers, Stasia
Love this post! And such a beautiful pic! Thank you so much for sharing 😉 #BloggerCareGroup
Thank you dear Angie. May he Lord richly bless you today.
Children are the best and they know us so well! I understand the rough times in life though and I loved the S, D, P phrase! Prayers to you and hope all is well! #bloggercaregroup
Thank you Kelly, I love your website. May the Lord bless you heaps. #bloggercaregroup
I love kids and their honestly. I especially love when they point us back to the Lord when we are drifting in our own minds/hearts etc.
love you girly! praying for you
@spreadingJOY
Thank you Marie, You are such an encouragement. God bless you heaps. @spreadingJOY #missionarymomma