Beauty comes in simple everyday moments.
Unexpected. A sneaky surprise that wells up from deep within exploding in a smile that cannot be withheld.
Saddened that my parents couldn't come to visit, I rolled over un-wanting to start the day. Wishing I could be at some all-important job, then immediately feeling ashamed at my ingratitude for the day. I laid there and let the G-JAB's bring me down (Guilt, Jealousy, Anger and Blame.) Then, as I prayed, I felt a new acronym emerge to redeem these burying emotions: the J-GAB's. I needed fresh Joy from Jesus. Fresh Grace and Gratitude. Adoration and a refocus my eyes on Abba, Father. And Belief that He will help me and heal me and forgive me and lead me.
Beauty is found when I embrace the day and it is found only when I am unhurried- and fully present - and truly surrendered again to the Grace God gives for each new day.
I had wondered: what will I do with the loooong days of spring break, then a beautiful wind blew in the sunshine and silliness and a couple extra school friends to play with.
I dragged over four kites, three bikes, two balls and one chair for me to sit upon. I sat while the littler kids explored the grass looking for bugs, and the big kids pieced together the kites and took turns helping each other set them into flight. The little girls climbed upon the "stage" to make up a song and dance, with their little brother as the "flower" who comes alive in the center. He hops down and leaves them laughing as he mounts his bike and zooms back and forth catching air over the bumps.
I closed my eyes and felt the warmth of the sun on my cheeks. I am thankful that on this day my depression was lifted. Often time in nature will do it for me. I remember the One who sets the sun in the sky each day and created the beauty of each fluffly cloud floating through the sky. It is his breath of Truth blowing through the breeze that reminds me that I am not stuck, but I have new grace every day- even every moment. It is the sound of the leaves that whisper His love is evident as my Creator. It is the laughter of each child that floats over as a way to remind me that I am at a very important job- and a beautiful, difficult, joyful, exhausting calling.
Unexpected. A sneaky surprise that wells up from deep within exploding in a smile that cannot be withheld.
Saddened that my parents couldn't come to visit, I rolled over un-wanting to start the day. Wishing I could be at some all-important job, then immediately feeling ashamed at my ingratitude for the day. I laid there and let the G-JAB's bring me down (Guilt, Jealousy, Anger and Blame.) Then, as I prayed, I felt a new acronym emerge to redeem these burying emotions: the J-GAB's. I needed fresh Joy from Jesus. Fresh Grace and Gratitude. Adoration and a refocus my eyes on Abba, Father. And Belief that He will help me and heal me and forgive me and lead me.
Beauty is found when I embrace the day and it is found only when I am unhurried- and fully present - and truly surrendered again to the Grace God gives for each new day.
I had wondered: what will I do with the loooong days of spring break, then a beautiful wind blew in the sunshine and silliness and a couple extra school friends to play with.
I dragged over four kites, three bikes, two balls and one chair for me to sit upon. I sat while the littler kids explored the grass looking for bugs, and the big kids pieced together the kites and took turns helping each other set them into flight. The little girls climbed upon the "stage" to make up a song and dance, with their little brother as the "flower" who comes alive in the center. He hops down and leaves them laughing as he mounts his bike and zooms back and forth catching air over the bumps.
I closed my eyes and felt the warmth of the sun on my cheeks. I am thankful that on this day my depression was lifted. Often time in nature will do it for me. I remember the One who sets the sun in the sky each day and created the beauty of each fluffly cloud floating through the sky. It is his breath of Truth blowing through the breeze that reminds me that I am not stuck, but I have new grace every day- even every moment. It is the sound of the leaves that whisper His love is evident as my Creator. It is the laughter of each child that floats over as a way to remind me that I am at a very important job- and a beautiful, difficult, joyful, exhausting calling.