Lynn H. Blackburn

Matthew 6:8b-For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. (ESV)

Summertime in South Carolina means afternoons so hot you start sweating before you get one flip-flop out the door. And this summer, it’s meant frequent thunderstorms so powerful they hurl hail and break branches all over the neighborhood.

Summertime is supposed to be a time when the living is easy. When schedules recede and fun reigns supreme.

At least that’s what I hear.

In my world, summertime means long days with children who even at their tender ages understand what I mean when I say “It’s too hot to play outside.” If they forget, a few minutes in the pizza oven we call our backyard is all it takes to remind them.

Plus, we have a brand new little man and the sun and heat are just too much for baby soft skin and a body that’s still learning how to regulate temperature.

So what’s a mommy to do? I’d be lying if I didn’t say sometimes the answer is, “Turn on the TV.” But sometimes the answer is, “Let’s go down to the basement.”

I didn’t grow up with a basement. Never thought much about them. Didn’t want one, much less think I might ever need one. In fact, what I wanted was a screened in porch with a ceiling fan.

But as I sit here in the cool of the basement, watching my children ride their bikes around in circles, laughing and giggling and burning off energy at a glorious pace, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.

Because my Abba knew.

He knew what I needed—not just before I asked—but before I even had the good sense to think to ask.

He’s like that, my Abba.

Basement blessings abound. Gifts from my Abba. The One who sometimes chooses to give me, not what I think I want, but what He knows I need.

I wonder if He waits for me to realize that He’s stepped into my world and showered me with love. I wonder how many times I’ve missed it because I wasn’t paying attention to the still small voice that says, “This is from me to you. I’m glad you like it sweetheart.”

Because He’s like that, my Abba.

What sort of basement blessings has He given you recently? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.