Everyone loves an encouraging short story. Can you find encouraging notes at the Zoo? Encouragement is looking for ways to surprise you. The world is decorated with reminders that we are not alone. Someone truly loves us.
A Short Story That is Sure to Encourage
Currently, you are enjoying a fun filled day at the Zoo. Then you gather with friends and family to laugh, talk and admire the most amazing animals on earth.
From exotic birds to rustic grey elephants the Zoo is filled with wonder and excitement. Typically, you hear children laughing while they chase skittish sheep around the Children’s Farm. Who could resist the soft plush coat of these unique animals?
In the meantime, people are moving fast through each display. Then, they stop for popcorn before moving forward to say hello to the entertaining gorillas. Next stop, the King of the Jungle, the majestic lion and his beautiful lioness.
Indeed, the zoo is filled with so much wonder. Guest’s eyes are filled with images, colors and information.
Now, it’s getting late and time to head home. So, you gather your kids and march toward the front entrance of the zoo. You stop for a head count. All five kids, check! Still, you check your bag to make sure all the things you took with you are still in their proper place. Then, one of the boys decides to stop and take a look at the perfectly painted little wooden tree houses. They were carved, painted and placed in the middle of a few beautiful trees. In the meantime, Nichole stops and looks down. She notices something extraordinary. A perfectly shaped heart leaf is laying in the center of the road. It seems as if an artist painted something beautiful for her on the canvas of her pathway. Then we all admired it and said our goodbyes. What a beautiful day!
Chance or Intentional?
Moreover, some would believe it was sheer chance or luck. The leaf just happened to be in the middle of Nichole’s pathway. It’s just a leaf and they move on. On the other hand, others believe this encounter is intentional. We are not here by accident. God places everything in its perfect place. He sticks His notes with strategic intention.
“Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, or caused dawn to know its place?” Job 38:12 (TLV)
Why the Leaf?
Still, if you notice the leaf in the picture, it is a perfect heart shape. In addition, it is laying directly in the middle of everyone’s walkway. Luck or chance cannot perform such a feat. Only God could orchestrate an encounter as this one. Therefore, the leaf is God’s sticky note. So, if you choose to stop and look, you too can decipher the invisible message.
What is the Message?
The Leaf is the Shape of a Heart
Possible Reason 1
Truly, the heart is a reminder of life. The heart beats and keeps you alive. Go ahead and put your hand over your heart, can you feel it? Indeed, this is your reason to keep running the race. You are breathing and life is filling up your lungs, so continue moving forward. Find gratitude in the life God has graced you with. Make time for your family. Take a risk or plan something fun. Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today.
Possible Reason 2
Indeed, the heart symbolizes love. Placing the note in your pathway is a reminder that someone loves you. Someone is thinking of you. Your life matters. Even when you feel unseen, know that you are seen by the very One who made you.
You too, can look and decipher the meaning behind the heart for yourself.
The Leaf is Placed in the Center of the Pathway
- The placement of the leaf is important.
- The center represents, “the center of attention.”
- The placement of the heart draws your attention.
- You are the center of God’s conversation.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
Psalm 139:17-18
(NLT)
Why is Nichole the Only One who Notices the Heart?
First, most people at the zoo are distracted and in a hurry. Secondly, people are looking up at the animals or keeping a close eye on their kids. Next, everyone at the zoo is walking past the heart. Strangely enough it is not trampled on but perfectly fits into the cement pathway. However, Nichole is the only one who chose to look down. Finally, the message is for anyone. Nevertheless, you must choose to look down and notice the heart. Then, the message is left up to you to understand.
Hurry and Distraction Can Cause You to Miss Out on an Encouraging Sticky Note from God.
Final Thoughts
- Encouragement is a powerful tool.
- We all need it.
- Anyone can give encouragement.
- Encouragement comes in different forms.
- Sometimes it comes in a shape of a heart in the middle of your journey.
Looking for another short story that is sure to encourage? Check this out https://todayisforglitter.com/beet-juice-and-nursery-rhymes/