God’s grace, peace, and blessings to all of you, from the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. This week, my family and I are enjoying the mountains, participating in Family Camp at Calvin Crest. Family Camp is a time for families to be, well, families. Meals are enjoyed around the table. Silly camp songs are sung all together in the mornings and evenings. Free Time is a chance to swim, play, relax, or take a nap (naps are good). During the morning time, there is a period when the children go off into their classes and the adults are invited to attend a time of worship and teaching. This time is called “Adult Breathing Space.” During the session this morning, I was reminded how much I needed this “breathing space.”
What about you? When you are at your best? When you are being refreshed, rejuvenated, and nourished…what does that kind of space mean to you? What does it look like? Is it going for a hike in the hills? Sitting down for tea and conversation with a good friend? Is it enjoying a good book by the fire on a cold winter evening? When do you feel fully capable of drawing a deep breath of fresh air?
In my life, sometimes schedules are hectic, people are busy, tasks need to be accomplished, and I sometimes have trouble making time to stop and eat. Breathing is essential – and although I perform this task multiple times every minute of every hour of every day, some breaths are more life-giving than others.
If you find yourself in a stressful season (whether it be caused by your busy schedule, a recent diagnosis, stress, challenges, drama, relationships, finances, or any combination of these things), I would encourage you to BREATHE.
Take a moment.
Pause.
Ground your feet.
Quiet your mind, and breathe deeply.
It’s good for your soul. It’s good for your heart. It helps to quiet voices around you so that you are more able to hear the voice of God. Just breathe, my friends, and may you encounter God’s presence in the very air in your lungs. Amen. See you soon.
Very truly,
Comments