My favorite color used to be blue – just about any shade, but my preferences have changed.  I love every shade of green, even drab olive-green. I also like pink; mainly raspberry, burgundy and magenta. Those are my favorite colors; greens and lively pinks.

As you can see by my title, green is (my) new black.  I “came up” with that phrase about 6 or 7 years ago. That year for my birthday, my eldest granddaughter gave me several gifts, all of which were green! Green hangers, green water bottle – lots of green.  Additionally, she typed a scripture to put with each green offering.  What fun!

Recently, I found some cocktail napkins with MY phrase on them – Green is the new black (Oops! Can I say cocktail on this website?).  ☺

Last year, I had the opportunity to help Beverly* with her wee daughter, Emma.  I took care of Emma a few hours a week for several weeks.  I played with her, changed and dressed her and put her down for naps and fed her cheese puffs (she quickly learned where I kept my stash, and like most little ones, she loved cheese puffs). My being there with Emma allowed Beverly to do some intensive house cleaning and purging – she wanted to get everything in order before her twins were born.  I am very fond of this family.  Beverly and I had some good visits as we both loved sewing – she’s made some gorgeous quilts.  Additionally, she inherited some lovely fabrics from her creative mother whom I believe had been an interior decorator.

When I arrived one morning, there were bolts and folds of several different fabrics scattered in the room where I cared for Emma.  Beverly was putting things away, and I commented on the lush hunter green fabric lying among the textiles.  Beverly asked me if I wanted it. I was a little embarrassed.  I wasn’t coveting it; rather just commenting on how beautiful the piece was. She told me to take it and reminded me that she was trying to trim her many belongings. Wow!  I was blown away and felt very blessed.

Now let me tell you what Beverly didn’t know; no one knew. This had never crossed my lips. I’d never written it down. I hadn’t even prayed about it. But God!!!  But God heard my thoughts and He read my heart.

I have two perfectly good bathrobes, but I have wanted a nice dressing gown for quite a while.  I hadn’t looked into how much one would cost, or if I made it, which was far more likely, what kind of fabric I would or should use.  The only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted the color to be either hunter green or cranberry.

I am reminded of the verse in Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Through this sweet friend Beverly, God gave me the desires of my heart.  Only He knew what I wanted and he arranged the provision through a very generous and lovely person. Thank you, Beverly. Thank you, Father.

I am continually amazed as I walk with God; as I experience Collateral Grace.

*names are changed

© 2013 Cat Brennan