This is the first of a new series of posts, called Saturday Musings. In these posts, I am going to step aside from the typical focus of stories, hope, and strategies to keep going through impossible circumstances. Instead, these posts will be more along the lines of “Let’s slow down, look around, and recognize the goodness of God in our lives.” I hope you enjoy this change of pace.
A light breeze blows against my face as I sit on my porch swing this morning. A hummingbird performs his magic act, dancing in front of me for several minutes, preening and showing up his aerial artistry.
My kids are still asleep, so I am able to soak in these moments of beauty. Then a question stirs in my soul:
Why do I have to be alone on a Saturday morning to enjoy scenes like this?
The short answer – because I am far too busy. I wake up most mornings now in time to see the stars in the sky, and often I get home as the sun sets in the sky. Then the work of parenting begins. Before I know it, ten o’clock comes, I am exhausted, and I go to sleep, only to start all over again the next day.
But this goes deeper than schedule.
I can find beauty just as easily in an easy conversation with my wife on the way to work as I can on a swing. I can see the creativity and handiwork of God from my office window too.
I have to be looking though. If I am honest with myself, this is the real problem – I am much more comfortable filling my days with tasks and appointments than absorbing the wonder of this life God has given me.
The Psalmist says the heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim His handwork. All around, the evidence of God and His creativity are evident…if only I would pay attention.
I have great reasons to not notice the marks of God in my world. My seizures can overwhelm my emotions some days. I have two kids in the midst of adolescence (holy hormones, Batman!) and another who wants to be crowned the king of drama. I started a new job two weeks ago.
The list goes on and on, but at the end of the day, the bottom line is this: I choose to focus on me and my concerns, not the grandeur of God’s activities around me.
Well, not today.
Today, I am going to look for opportunities to see the goodness of God. Today, I pray God will open my eyes to hear the proclamation of His glory and handiwork.
Chris, that was beautiful. Beautifully written and beautifully expressed. I too am more intentional about looking for moments of beauty in my life. Thanks for writing and sharing this.
Love this Chris. And I look forward to your Saturday series. I began a series a few weeks ago where I share a quote, a brief note, and one of my photographs. I call the series Tranquil Sundays. The idea is to slow down, relax, reflect, and see God’s handiwork all around.
Sounds like you had a wonderful Saturday morning!
Thank you Sharon – I am definitely still learning to see His movements in my moments
You forgot to include the link Joan: http://www.joanhallwrites.com/tranquil-sundays/
I like where you are going with your series. Funny how God stirs people in similar ways, isn’t it? Have I mentioned recently that I am so impressed by people with multiple gifts, like writing & photography? So jealous.
I think this will probably be a good change of pace for me as a writer, and I am hopeful others will enjoy it too.
Thanks for adding the link, Chris. I enjoy photography, but I’m an amateur. I especially enjoy taking nature photos – the beauty of God’s creation.
Me too Joan. I enjoy photography as a hobby. Your photo and thoughts are also beautiful.
I agree with you Chris, how interesting God is stirring us to focus on enjoying His goodness and His beauty. How fun to see that we’re discovering some of the same things.. Your observation confirms this direction for me and gives me more courage to pursue it.
Beautiful thoughts beautifully expressed. It does indeed take a decisive effort on our part to live mindful of God’s creative goodness and grace. Though when we do make it a priority to live wonderstruck, it adds a huge dimension to our days. Nothing gets taken for granted like it may have been before. I love the idea of your new series,Chris, and look forward to enjoying more Saturday Musings!
Dude I love it… Don’t stop the series. Have a great weekend. And yes we all need to be reminded to slow down and enjoy life.
Thanks for the encouragement to keep doing this series. I think I will, at least for one more week 🙂
I probably need to read the book ‘wonderstruck’ huh? I think Margaret Feinberg could realy teach me a lot about this concept. Have you read that one, per chance?
Well more than 2 dictates it’s a series … 🙂
Yes I have. How did you guess?! It’s a lovely book and really does help to increase gratitude and awareness of the creative power of God and how it impacts our daily lives. Do read it if you can. 🙂
Love this. Lately I’ve been asking myself how I’m missing the beauty around me. It truly is around us and I think you’re right. It’s a matter of intentionally taking notice. Look forward to next Saturday’s. Keep it coming!
Thank you Jesse! Given your circumstances, I can understand why you are not seeing beauty. It’s tougher in some seasons, my friend. I will definitely keep this going, as it seems folks enjoy the idea.
Way to slow down Chris. I am delighted to read this, as you know this is my kind of piece!
I was thinking you would like this post. It is definitely a different kind of piece for me for sure, but it seems to hit a sweet spot in my soul
MIne too. You know, my mom has a nesting hummingbird that comes and makes its home on a string of outdoor patio lights. We were able to look in and see the tiny eggs
slow living…I can hear your breath decreasing even as you make that deliberate choice to be a noticer of God’s handiwork in the big and small
blessings my friend
Nancy
http://www.simplyabundantlife.com
Chris, loved this. I, too, am being drawn to slow down, pay attention to the beauty God paints around me. It’s fall in WI and He’s just been painting a gorgeous landscape. Thanks for the reminder. This is a wonderful piece. Keep up your Saturday musings:-)
Well, I live in Arizona so God only paints in brown here, but I have seen pictures of fall colors.
I am definitely still in the learning phase of slowing down but I think it will definitely bear fruit in my life, and for my family as well
Thank you, Sharon. And I agree with you and Chris, it is interested that God is stirring us to slow down and focus upon Him and the beauty found in His creation.
I love it, Chris! Just beautiful!
So glad you decided to muse your self this way. I have been doing it for years. My book is about musings and devotions among other joys and preoccupations!
I love humming birds!
Blessings and great musings, friend!
Katina
Katina
I love it every time you drop your notes here. You bring a smile to my face every single time. Such refreshment and happiness. Thanks for the encouragement.
Great point! I think there are some days I’m more comfortable ‘filling my time’ than appreciating what the Lord has given me. I don’t know why that is, but then the moments when I just stop, and sit, and listen, they are awesome.
Hmmm…a noticer of God’s handiwork. My prayer is that I might be known as that in the coming seasons of my life.
That sounds so awesome
My schedule gets away from me so often. Between kids, work, friends, church, writing, TV, reading, fun, etc., etc., etc., I find my days gone and my opportunities to see blessings disappearing. Trying to learn to be intentional about this though.