Breathing With Your Mouth Closed

When was the last time you stepped outside and slowed down long enough to watch a butterfly… fly? Or sat quiet long enough to listen to the birds… sing?

When’s the last time you sat under a canopy of mature trees, and looked at all of the nature that surrounds you? Or taken in a deep breath of the outdoor air, blowing out slowly enough to appreciate the fact that you’re alive, and that you are able to see, hear, feel, and be a part of life.

So did you stop? And watch the video? Taking in the sounds and enjoy the peaceful sights?

Some times, we can get so busy with life, in general, that we don’t slow down long enough to actually enjoy our own life. Maybe we’ve filled all of our moments on purpose; remaining busy so that we don’t have to think about the empty ones that someone or something used to fill.

Often when we’re going through hard times, grieving a loss — of loved ones, a job, a relationship — we get so caught up in what’s gone, that we can fail to remember what’s still here. YOU are still here. LIFE is still here. And it is still worth living.

One of the things that helps to keep me moving forward when I’m feeling sad, lonely, or just missing someone, is to change my focus. Sometimes, I need to stop and appreciate something like the beauty of creation, and remind myself, that I’m one of them!

God created the Heavens and Earth. He also created you! You were a part of His plan. And whether or not we believe in His existence; or our temporary pain right now has harden us to His love and grace and mercy, and everything about Who He is, He is still here with you. He does still love you.  And He has a plan for you.

I know it can be hard to imagine all of that through the tears and pain. “Why?” seems to be the only question we want answered, and the one least likely to make us feel any better.

We can continue to go down that dark alley, looking for answers in places unable to give them. And we can continue seeking comfort from things that can’t hold us. But none of that changes anything.

Our pain is real. The hurting is real. The emptiness and longing; and even the questions are real. But so is God’s love. So is His comfort. So is His desire for us to trust Him to get us through this moment, and continue to seek Him through many more.

So take a moment to just breathe…to listen…to hear. Look. And see…

The wonders of God are many. And you are among them.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Isaiah 43:1-3