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Day 82: Just Breathe!


June 5, 2020

When I was younger (and so were my five daughters), I was always sleep deprived.  There were not enough hours in the day and as the saying goes, “I was not an early bird or a night owl.  I was some form of permanently exhausted pigeon.”  I got up early and stayed up late, but I was not at my best at either hour.  The demands on my mental and physical being were intense and draining.  Of course, I would not trade those years for anything.  Being a mother is my utmost calling and my greatest joy.  I am very proud of the beautiful, caring, responsible women who call me mom.  My prayer and meditation time during those years was very different than it is now.  “Good morning, Lord!  Thank you for my many blessings.  Please forgive me of my sins.  Could you please help me…”….beep, beep, beep.  By that time someone’s oatmeal in the microwave would be hot and I would be on to my next task.  The bathroom often provided a moment or two of solitude for meditation but before I got too far into my thoughts, little fingers would slide under the door…”Mama, are you in there?”.  Praying while driving, with five kids in the car, was also usually interrupted by the expected questions, handing out of snacks, and pleading of “leave your sister alone” while glancing frequently in the rearview mirror.  I tried praying at night before I went to sleep but usually fell asleep within seconds of starting.  I like to picture God smiling down at my sleeping, exhausted self and understanding that I really was doing my best.  I know He understood why I was tired and hopefully He appreciated my good intentions about relying on him to help me make it through the day.  As the girls got older and I got wiser, I started getting up at least fifteen minutes before I really needed to get moving, to read a quick devotional and just sit in the quiet and listen to God.  I am not going to say that happened every day, but again, I think God knew I was trying.  It is easy for us to recognize when we are physically tired, and we know what to do about it.  (sit down, take a nap, go to bed…ASAP)  But sometimes we miss the signs and signals that point to our mental or emotional exhaustion, from too much striving to do everything for everyone and be everything we think we need to be.  In these moments, we need spiritual rest, which can only be found in God.  Take a moment to just breathe today and call on God for whatever you need.  He is never too busy for us.  Luke 12:48 (TLB): “Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.”  Luke 12:48 (“The Message” Bible): “Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!” And a less familiar version of Psalm 23. Psalm 23:1-3 (TLB) “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.” Just breathe!  Smile and be joyful!  Here is a music video with an important message:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnjeMwxFuBA

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