Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year. 2008 stretches out before each of us with blessings just waiting to be unwrapped one day at a time--indeed, one moment at a time. In the coming 365 days we will all experience moments of exquisite joy, moments that take us by surprise and take our breath away. And no doubt we may also walk through some dark valleys as well. We might even be amazed to find some of those exquisite moments shining like the North Star in those dark valleys. One thing is for sure, this time next year when New Year's Day 2009 rolls around, we won't any of us, be exactly the same as we are today.
So how do you want to be different?
This year I want to be more aware of the treasures that sometimes come camouflaged in our ordinary days. I want to train my eyes, and my ears, and my soul to pay attention, to notice, to receive these gifts. I don't want to be so busy with the mundane routine of life that I don't have the time, the energy, nor even the inclination to see the beauty, to be amazed, to sense the presence and nearness of my God.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning penned these words:
"Earth is crammed with heaven
and every common bush afire with God;
but only he who sees takes off his shoes.
The rest sit around it and
pluck blackberries."
I want to spend more time barefoot because I am aware I am on holy ground.
Mark Buchanan in his book YOUR GOD IS TOO SAFE makes the point that we tend to separate our lives into two categories: sacred and secular. The problem with that distinction, he says, is that according to Colossians 1:16-17 all things were created by Christ--things in heaven and on earth, things visible and invisible, thrones, powers, rulers, authorities--ALL THINGS. They were all created by Him and for Him. Buchanan says, "In the biblical worldview, there is only the sacred and the profane; and the profane is just the sacred abused, unkempt, trampled down, trivialized, turned inside out. It is just the holy treated in an unholy way."
I want to be able to recognize all that is sacred as I live in the "everydayness" of this gift of a brand new year. I want that awareness to leave me amazed and breathless.
If I have a New Year's Resolution it would be this. I want to be able to say, when I look back, that I lived 2008 "barefoot and breathless!"
What are some exquisite moments you have experienced in your ordinary days? What things have left you breathless? What are some things that have caused you to "take off your shoes" when you realized you were standing on holy ground?
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2 comments:
Deb,
I just love the concept of barefoot and breathless! At times I find myself in this type of state and its almost impossible to put into words. Sometimes this last year it has been in the early dark of the morning in my quiet time when I am so undeniably aware of the Lord sitting right with me. Maybe I've just read a scripture and the light bulb in my head clicks on as I experience one of those Ahaa moments! I know without a doubt that God is speaking to me, my heart, and asking me to submit and change. During one such time I remember I very much felt like I was on Holy ground and found my head bowed low and the tears flowing. His conviction of my will that day followed with His grace and love and it left me breathless!
Another recent time out running this weekend I watched the sun rising through the clouds and as I listened to my worship music, I found myself mentally "barefoot and breathless". I felt God running right along with me and I felt His pleasure. Incredible! I want to stay "in His presence" in this very intimate way forever as there is nothing in this world to compare.
However as usual the little ones wake up and real life begins in full swing. But you know on these "barefoot and breathless" days I have this little peace of heaven that I've experienced, tucked into my pocket to savor and remember throughout the day and I know I can return tomorrow for more! Thank you for putting the perfect words to these intimate times with the Lord.
Deb,
As 2007 was coming to a close, I caught myself looking at all the "lasts" that I was experiencing this year. Most of those thoughts went to the upcoming marriage in our family and how that truly would change things forever. It took me a while to shake the thoughts of "last" and look at the gifts coming for us.
2008 began with the promises of an addition to our family. I think it was appropriate that we spent the first day of the year dress shopping for the future bride and celebrating this coming event. It did leave me breathless. Watching my daughter, who has become a woman, proudly try on dresses and beam when the "right one" was found.
For a moment, I was sad thinking of my little girl, but then I remembered what Kathy had said to me when I was fearful and sad because Ash was headed to college. She reminded me that every stage in life has its blessings and that watching our children grow and become what God has purposed for them is the greatest gift God has given us as parents.
So, for 2008, I have resolved to embrace life. Embrace all the wonderful NEW experiences of this life....enjoy the quiet moments and breathe during the crazy times. I think I may even spend a little time singing out loud and dancing barefoot in the cool grass as I thank our Father for allowing these blessings to pour down on our family. I want to see that He is the author and perfector of all that is good, and what we are living is such a blessing from our Father.
Barefoot and breathless.....yes, I want to see the holy ground we are embarking on and honor Him by walking this path while praising Him. Breathless....seeing my baby girl in white and smiling in anticipation of her future, yes, that leaves this mom truly breathless.
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