Breathing In Beauty

It happens in the quiet stillness of the morning. Birds are chatting one to another outside the window, the aroma of coffee is wafting through the house, and the sunlight is beckoning me to arise and join in it's playful, exuberant celebration of the new morn. Frost covers the landscape as I pour my elixir of rejuvenation, and my heart turns to examine a place of deep joy and peace that I sense within.

Surely my life is blessed, my cup full, and my heart overwhelmed at the goodness of God as He's proven Himself faithful to me over the years. And then I read:

"The one thing I want from God, the thing I seek most of all, is the privilege of meditating in, living in His presence every day of my life, delighting in His incomparable perfections and glory." (Psalms 27:4, Living Bible)

How true this statement, how my heart leaps as I settle in to a quiet spot for a brisk read and heartfelt contemplation of the day. Soon, there will be a bustle of activity as the children arise, Gil departs for the marketplace, and I've calls to make, employ to accomplish.

But not quite yet. A moment of lingering, rejoicing and delighting ~ a heart of thanksgiving for the wonderful gifts the Lord has bestowed upon me: faith, family, health, and love. Surely goodness and mercy follows me every day of my life.

A whispered "Thank You.", and the day begins.