I pull out my Moleskine journal today. I bought it for a special purpose last December. Even though I didn’t know what that purpose was.
I knew something special would come along.
It did. In the ordinary.
Each year I make spiritual resolutions. I declared 2010 “The Year of Deep Breathing.” And the Moleskine journal is where I tuck away my breaths.
Breathing. An ordinary thing. But a purposed thing.
So on an ordinary September day, under “Breathe Him in,” I write in my notebook:
“Accepting the inhales he’s blowing into me for my healing. CPR for my soul.
Soaking in the meditations on Psalm 27 from Tripp’s book, one verse, one day at a time.”
And under “Breathe Him out,” I write:
“Yea! Was able to return to 5:30 singing and praise Him from my heart with my family.”
We’re not always clear what our purpose is. But if keep doing the day-to-day things with Him—breathing in, breathing out—we find that even our ordinary moments contain purpose.
And in our daily spiritual breathing, maybe we discover those ordinary moments are our life’s purpose.
Don’t belittle the ordinary. The daily inhales and exhales are sustaining.
We’re being transformed into His image.
One day at a time.
One breath at a time.
There is no purpose so extraordinary as this.
* * *
Do you know what your purpose is?
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12 comments:
I love the imagery of breathing in God and then being able to breath him out. Such a rich concept. I also really like your use of photography in this post. Way to integrate some solid visuals.
Sometimes that 5:30 singing time, even though it is an 'ordinary' planned time in the week, really is the most 'extraordinary' moment of my week... and it was good to have you back last night and to sing alongside you. :)
Ed,
The breathing imagery has been a very strong one for me the past couple of years actually. I think it’s gonna stick.
I’m really enjoying your writings; keep up the good work.
Kay,
I totally agree with you. That hour of singing is often the most extraordinary time of my week as well. I’m always amazed at how that time transforms another piece of my cold heart. I suppose God knows what he’s doing by wanting our praise? :-)
It’s always good to get to sing with you. Who needs more sopranos? You handled it.
This is so very true. I loved how you put it "breathing in, breathing out". Thank you for sharing.
Ohhh thanks for sharing!! Love this ;) So refreshing to read!
I love the concept of the ordinary moments being full of purpose. So true and rich. I think we sometimes get caught up in the big moments and grand gestures that we forget the impact of the daily. Thanks for the reminder.
I REALLY was encouraged with this shot of a jam,Lisa! When in doubt,just keep breathing.. and somehow, the Spirit of God makes something out of nothing --- PURPOSE.
I love your photos, too. Just seeing those words made me take a breath!
Yes, another awesome jam post! Thnx!
What a great image of our relationship with God. It makes me think that there are times when I try to 'hold my breath' because the moment is so good. Then God forces situations into my life which make me 'exhale' and return to a more healthy relationship with Him. Awesome post. Thanks.
Genesis 2:7
the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
and we've been breathing in and out ever since...He is life.
Thanks for stopping by today - so glad to "meet you"
You KNOW this post speaks to my soul, given my blog title & side bars :-)
I have yearly themes, too. It's amazing...the Lord impresses them on my soul in advance, but the theme always goes along with what happens in my life that year. (My themes are listed at the top of my blog)
Do you have one for 2011 yet? I do, and will be making that announcement soon.
I just now went back to read your “why” post about your blog name. And it spoke to MY soul, explaining what I’ve been trying to live out the past year with my spiritual theme. I’m glad to find another kindred heart who the Lord also impresses upon with spiritual themes. I’ve been listening intently the past few weeks for 2011, too, and have been whittling it down to its essence before I settle completely on it. I can’t imagine it being any more relevant than this year’s breathing theme has been though – it’s the year both my parents breathed their last breaths and so many other “breathing” things have gone on. God has been trying to teach me so much.
I’ll look forward to what you have to share for 2011! I know it will be helpful not only to you but to me and many others.
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