Day 5 of 31 Days of Seeing Jesus In Your Daily Life: Sun-soaked Radiance

The sun ran its fingers through the leaves of my favorite maple tree as I was walked up from my son’s bus stop yesterday morning. The beauty took my breath away. Usually, when this happens, I only pause long enough to say, “Oh isn’t that pretty” and move on.

But yesterday I didn’t.

Instead, I decided to stop and soak in the beautiful morning. I breathed deeply, inhaling the fragrances of fall. I watched a squirrel scamper across the branches of the nearby oak and listened to the loons call across the lake. Then I walked around the maple just to revel in its sun-soaked radiance.

I don’t do that enough. I don’t stop to appreciate what God has made as often as I should. I forget to give Him sincere, heartfelt thanks for what He’s lavished on me. And I don’t take the time to delight in His creation for no other reason than to praise Him for being who He is.

I’m not sure many of us do. We get too busy to notice and allow ourselves to be driven by our To-Do lists. If I had to guess, your life looks a lot like mine or maybe even a little more chaotic.

But yesterday I realized, my busy life is no excuse to neglect taking time to relish in God’s creation, to let its beauty soak into my soul, and to praise my Heavenly Father for being who He is.

So yesterday, I took the time. And I’m so thankful I did.

The funny thing is, it took less than 10 minutes! But that brief time had a profound effect on the rest of my day. It changed my perspective from thinking about me, myself, and I to focusing on Jesus. It transitioned my mood from overwhelmed and stressed to one of joyful anticipation. It opened my heart to hidden opportunities I would’ve missed otherwise. It enriched my Quiet Time and filled my heart with gratitude for all Jesus has done for me, those I care about, and the purpose He has for each of us.

And I fell In love with my Savior all over again.

Beloved, I encourage you to revel in God’s creation. To take a few minutes to give Him your complete focus and sincere, heartfelt praise. Give Him the opportunity to change your perspective and give you a mood of joyful anticipation. I’m confident you will be thankful you did.

It only takes a few minutes.

 

Psalm 19:1-14, NLT

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak;

night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word;

their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,

and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.

It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens

and follows its course to the other end.

Nothing can hide from its heat. The instructions of the LORD are perfect,

reviving the soul.

The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy,

making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right,

bringing joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are clear,

giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure,

lasting forever.

The laws of the LORD are true;

each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold,

even the finest gold.

They are sweeter than honey,

even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant,

a great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?

Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins!

Don’t let them control me.

Then I will be free of guilt

and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing to you,

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”

 

Blessings!