Finding Love In A Pile Of Leaves

One day after work I was feeling a little down and dejected.  I had just been notified that I didn't get a promotion that I interviewed for.  I decided to go for a walk around my old elementary school to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. Perhaps it would cheer me up and get my mind off my disappointment, I thought.  I put on my IPOD shuffle, and started walking. I prayed that God would speak to me.

The song, "Forever Love" by Francesca Battistelli came on as I rounded to the back side of the school. One verse says, "from the bottom of my heart I'll sing to you. From the depths of who I am I love you. With everything inside I'll run to you 'cause all that I've become I owe to you...

Right as I heard "I'll run to you," I looked up and saw a dad raking a huge pile of leaves in his front yard. His daughter (who looked to be about 6 or so) was running full speed and joyously diving into the pile. I turned around and started bawling. Just seeing a father and daughter, the little girl's trust and her joy, the way the father prepared the pile and waited for her. It was just precious. In that moment, I heard a message from God about his love for me.

So there I was, walking, and crying.  The next song on the shuffle was Bethany Dillon's "All I Need". Although I'd asked a friend if she could join me, as well as my husband (who didn't feel good), it ended up being just me and God on the walk.  You know what? That was enough!

Here are just some of the words of Bethany's song:

You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need...

...I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need

When I started my walk, I felt down and dejected, but God lifted me up by showing me love in a simple pile of leaves.