A deep breath in…and then, a quick jump backwards with a shout of “Wow! Oh my goodness! What are you doing there?” That was what happened on a recent morning at our home in the low country of South Carolina. My usual morning activities were completed and I wanted to sit in the rocking chair on the front porch. I looked forward to enjoying the beauty and quiet part of the day.
The sun had risen and the temperatures were forecasted to climb into the 90’s later in the afternoon. A nice time of relaxation before taking care of more things on my “to do” list would start the day in a positive way. Prayer time and listening to the birds singing. What a glorious morning!
As I walked to the white rocking chair, I reached my hand to adjust the location of the chair so I could see the beautiful hydrangea and plumbago. At the same time that I held out my hand, a bright green lizard appeared from under the red cushion that had been placed on the seat for decoration. Imagine my shock and surprise! I’m thankful that I didn’t sit on the lizard. I’m glad the lizard didn’t come crawling up on my neck. Yikes!!
I started laughing when I considered that this bright green lizard was a friend of a friend. Yes, this green creature must be a friend of the lizard in my book for children, “Licky the Lizard”. Remembering my first encounter with a lizard on the porch at another house, I continued laughing.
Yes, this was a friend of a friend.
“Hello, little lizard. You sit on the other chair while I sit on this one, okay?” The conversation with a lizard was nothing out of the ordinary for me. I talk to everybody, even lizards. His color changed to brown as he tried to secure his place on the rocker. Thankfully, he finally moved along to another spot on the porch.
When the coast was clear and the lizard had left my chair, I sat and relaxed. I thanked God for His creations and how He brings joy and laughter to my life every day. God reminded me of the importance of taking time to share conversation with Him. That little lizard could have distracted me from my morning time with the Lord. But, I persisted in getting that lizard to move off of my chair. Then, I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of His creations.
Have you been distracted lately and made a decision to put off sharing time with God? Pause right now, even if you have a lizard in your chair, and share your praises, joys, concerns, and thoughts with God. He is listening.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Great lesson from the garden. Love friend of a friend and how you tied it in so beautifully with great principles from the bible and great lessons in life.
Thank you Melonie. Have a blessed week! 🙂
What a fun reminder, Melissa. Thanks for introducing us to Licky’s pal.
Thank you Diana. Wonder what I will find on the rocking chair this morning? haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂
Lovely reminder, Melissa. When I saw the photo, I immediately thought of little Licky.😉
Thank you Jill. Yes, Licky the Lizard has lots of friends here. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂
Taking time with God is much needed for me. I love being outside especially when I am enjoying my devotion.
Yes, I love being outside and enjoying God’s creations. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Melissa, I must confess you did better than me this morning. I, too, sat on my back deck reading my Bible, praying, and listening to the birds. Two bird families have decided to make nests on my back porch to lay their eggs. I’m not sure which family the 3 birds represented, but 3 of those guys swooped in and flew within a foot of my face. I hate to say but I screamed and went inside.
Hahahah! June, I can picture you screaming and heading back inside. I probably would have done the same thing. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂
Love how you’re quick to recognize the simple joys God sends you!
Thank you Ava. I love how God sends His messages in unique ways. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Oh, thank you for this sweet post! I HAVE been very distracted the last week or so. I still start my days with God, but I haven’t been “all in.” So many things clamoring for a bit of my brain. Thank for you the cute reminder to persist in pushing the other things aside…
Thank you so much. I get distracted, too. I’m glad God gives us opportunity to return to Him in every moment. Have a blessed week! 🙂
You tooooo!
Such a cute story!! And that lizard sounds like quite the surprise. I’m glad you didn’t let him distract you too long. 🙂
Thank you Jessica. Those silly distractions won’t keep me from time with the Lord. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂
I am too easily distracted. And the lizard would have sent me inside. Stay cool in that heat, Melissa. And God bless you and your quiet times on the porch.
Thank you Nancy. Today is going to be another hot one. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Love your simple yet, profound devotional thought here Melissa! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your encouraging words!
Thank you Diane. I appreciate your encouragement. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Thank you for a good chuckle this morning. I love how you remember to thank God for your visitor even though he was a surprise.
Thank you Yvonne. I’ve already seen some lizards on the porch this morning. I think the heat is bringing them out to find shade. Have a blessed week! 🙂
It’s nice to hear another story from the Hendersons. I wondered with Licky’s friend would show us. We live in the South, too, and there is an abundance of lizards. Usually they’re tucked into our big umbrella on our patio. Surprise! I’m happy to know that you’re someone to talks to everyone and everything. So am I. It makes me happy to know that others do this as well.
Thank you Melinda. Yes, those lizards are everywhere. I just don’t want them inside the house. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂
So many distractions! I’m glad that cute lizard gave up his spot so you could resume your time with the Lord. Thanks for the sweet reminder and your bubbling encouragement, dear Mimi. Hugs! xoxo
Thank you Karen. Lots of lizards on the porch today. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Cute story, Melissa! We have an abundance of lizards here too. They turn up in the oddest places!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Melissa, as soon as I saw your featured photo, I knew this was about a friend of Licky the Lizard. 🙂
Haha! Yes, Licky the Lizard has lots of friends here in the Lowcountry of SC. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
Melissa, I love how you connected your new friend to Licky and the lesson you bring out for us all!
Thank you so much. Licky is still teaching me lessons. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Melissa, I enjoyed your “Friend of a Friend” piece. Your lighthearted articles give me a lift.
Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoy reading my writing. Have a blessed week! 🙂