Noticing
My mind was spinning as I thought of our hectic schedule with sports, activities, and school.
As I prayed, I remembered Jesus’ words: “Give us TODAY our DAILY bread.”
I want to notice
the praying mantis on the rock,
the funny thing my son said I might have overlooked,
the stellar handstand my daughter did when she repeatedly asked, “Watch!”.
This is what happens when we are in this day; this moment; this memory.
We don’t miss it. We slow down. We see it.
I asked the Lord to help me be in today. To just give me what I need today. To help me SEE today. To really see it.
The spinning of a million things loosened, and I could breathe.
I felt time slow down.
None of us are promised tomorrow.
But we do have a choice to live in today.
I want to do that.
I don’t want to miss the cool praying mantis trying to camaflouge himself on the rock, I don’t want to miss my son’s funny saying, my daughter’s handstand, my other daughter’s cool creation, or the little things I love about my husband.
I see so many more things when I open my eyes to today and close them to tomorrow.
Lord, help us not to miss it. Help us see the wonder of today. The wonder of You. Please give us today our daily bread so we can slow down, notice, and really live today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Simple Illustration of God’s Love
I remember being shown this when I was a kid and it has always stuck with me.
In the picture on the left, God’s hand grips us tight. No matter what. Even when we mess up (shown by the other hand coming loose). When we mess up and when we don’t mess up (represented by the picture on the right), God is ALWAYS with us- he never leaves us.
This is a simple way to show our kids (and us) that nothing can get in the way of God’s love for us.
Better said in Romans 8:39: “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Amen.
Contentment
Ecclesiastes 7 spoke so much this morning. Verse 10 reminds me to be content in the now. Jesus, help us do this.
Help us follow your words in verses 8 and 9 too. When our spirits feel provoked, please settle them as we focus on you.
When our minds laser in on every issue, it dismantles us, but Lord, when our minds are steadfast on you, our Rock, it brings us peace.
Please be our peace. Where there is anxiety, replace it with your presence and calmness. Where there is anger and pride, settle it with your peace and humility. Where there is confusion, replace it with a clear focus on You. When we are too serious about everything, replace it with laughter and joy. Where we have preoccupation with ourselves, please replace it with a heart to love you and others. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Linsey Driskill 