Stop and Smell the Flowers

This week has felt heavy.

Work has been a bit overwhelming, with long hours spent redoing Excel workbooks because of mistakes that were made years before I even started. It’s hard answering for things that were completely out of my control, and some days it feels like no matter how much you fix, there’s always more waiting behind it.

Home hasn’t been much quieter.

My granddaughter has decided that she needs to sleep with me — every single night. At first, it felt sweet. Now… It’s a lot. So on Wednesday, I finally asked her why. Her answer stopped me cold:

“You’re going to Heaven soon.”

WHAT?!

Let me reassure everyone — I am still very much here. But that comment absolutely freaked out my husband and my oldest son… and honestly, it rattled me a bit too. Sometimes kids say things that come out of nowhere and hit deeper than they realize.

And here I am now — Friday afternoon — juggling the last of my work tasks, trying to finish a paper for class, preparing Sunday School material, and just coming off a 90-minute phone call with my attorney handling some important business. My brain is tired. My heart is full. My to-do list is still staring at me.

Then, in the middle of all of it… Something beautiful happened.

A bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers was delivered to me from my son and daughter-in-law. The note that came with them brought tears to my eyes:

“Thank you for all you do. We love you. Now stop, take a moment, and smell the flowers.”

And that’s when it hit me.

God has a way of interrupting our overwhelm with gentle reminders. Sometimes it’s a kind word. Sometimes it’s a hug. Sometimes it’s flowers showing up right when you’re running on empty.

This week reminded me that while life can feel relentless, God is still present — even in spreadsheets, sleepless nights, unexpected comments, and long phone calls. He sees the weight we carry. He knows when we’re stretched thin. And He lovingly reminds us to pause.

Not because everything is finished.
Not because life is suddenly calm.
But because our souls need it.

So today, I’m choosing to stop. To breathe. To notice the sunflowers. To remember that I’m not carrying all of this alone.

Maybe that’s your reminder too.

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📖 Scripture for This Week

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
“Be still, and know that I am God.”

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🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for meeting us in the middle of our busy, overwhelming days. Help us recognize the moments You place before us to pause, breathe, and remember You are in control. When life feels heavy and responsibilities pile up, remind us to be still and trust You. Thank You for the small gifts — the reminders of love, encouragement, and grace — that help us keep going. Amen.

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Thank you for pausing with me today.
If this week has felt overwhelming, I hope you’re reminded to stop — even briefly — and smell the flowers. 🌻💛