Today is Thankful Thursdayand I am thankful for God winks. Although it has been an emotionally difficult week, for the last two days God has surprised me with God winks, just when I needed them, to remind me of His love for me. The first God wink came Tuesday while I was walking, praying and listening to music. I usually listen to Contemporary Christian music but this particular evening I was listening to older music. As I was praying about all the sadness that has touched our lives this week, the song “Smile” by Nat King Cole came on. As I listened to the words, I too had to smile. The lyrics begin with, “Smile, though your heart is aching. Smile, even though it’s breaking. When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by. If you smile through your fear and sorrows, smile and maybe tomorrow, you see the sun shining through for you.”

The next God wink came yesterday while driving home with Briley. Our hearts were again heavy and the song “Smile” by Sidewalk Prophets came on. The lyrics hit me like a brick wall as I knew God wanted me to hear this reminder of His love. One of the lines in the song especially struck a cord with me, “There’s always a reason to always choose joy.” Julie often reminds us to choose joy on our journey and this week I have had to dig deep to remember to smile even when I am hurting. God spoke to me directly through these songs and for that I am so thankful. On this thankful Thursday I encourage you to open your eyes and ears and be willing to receive any God winks sent your way. Just like this piece of a rainbow in the picture, your God wink may appear in the faintest hues out of the blue or like a brick wall in the lyrics of a song. Just be open and be thankful. God loves us and reminds us in the simplest ways. Listen to the songs God sent my way this week and may you too find a reason to smile.

“Smile” by Nat King Cole https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXuB6md9zPk

“Smile” by Sidewalk Prophets https://youtu.be/mjurY5mR2hs