Proceed Gently, With Awe and Reverence

Psalm 118:24 -- "This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" These are words to live by.

There are many wonderful things in the world, and although it is broken by sin and disobedience, we still see ample evidence of God's glory, of his fingerprints on His creation. Today we had a bright blue sky day with cotton candy white clouds, with a gentle breeze and warmer weather, ending with a bright orange sunset that Da Vinci himself would have trouble matching for beauty and grandeur.

The pattern for our lives is to be found not only in everyday miracles of natural wonder, but in the human wonders, inspired by God, that we find in grace, love,acceptance, kindness, forgiveness,compassion, concern and all the "ordinary" delights we find in being family to each other, and in being good neighbors.

Life is full of meaning. Every act of grace adds meaning. We must slow down and see them, and sometimes we must come to a full stop to carefully observe them, letting God's goodness soak into our souls, reflecting His light for others.

There was a poster I had on my wall in college years ago, which had a profound message for me. It said "Along the way, remember to stop and smell the flowers." Amen. Do not rush through life. Relish it. Live in gratitude to Your Creator. Do not waste time by complaining and moaning. Never stop looking for a reason to smile. Seize the joy that is sometimes hiding.

Proceed gently, with awe and reverence.