Just for You: Welcome
Mindfulness
3.4.19

It seems that the word “mindfulness” is often on display these days. My friend told me about an article she read which was offering help for anxiety. Not only did it include paying attention to one’s breathing and other ideas, but also paying attention to what is around you at the present moment. Focusing on something you observe right where you are. Evidently this stratagem is used to block out worry over the past or fear of the future. So one morning, not too long ago, I thought I would give it a go.

Very early in the first hours of the day, I came into my study, lit a small vanilla candle I enjoy, told Alexa to turn off my reading light, and began to focus on what I observed.

As I looked at my candle, shining bright in the darkness, I thanked God that He is the light of the world, of my world. I thanked Him that He would light my path on the day’s journey and each day all the way Home. I thanked Him that He is the brightness that will shine a welcoming ray as I am in His presence today and on that day when I have the joy of being Home at last.

Next I focused on the cozy afghan tucked around me. When I did so I thanked God for my mother who made that covering for me and who was steadfast in her commitment to care for me, even as she was a single mother. I thanked Him that Mother’s favorite song was Jesus Loves Me and that she took me to church.

I noticed my window that looks east and gathers the morning sun into my room and thanked God for His creative power and the beauty of His creation, trees and birds, snow and sunshine. And I thanked God for my window.
 

I looked around at all my books and thanked God for my “friends” who come to me through their words and often help me to see God in fresh ways. As I saw David’s books, I thanked God for how he has refreshed others—and me—with his words telling of God’s steadfast love and grace.

I heard the soft hum of our heater and thanked God for a home that is warm. How often I overlook such gifts.

Next, as my reading light was turned on, I read these words from Psalm 46:1—God is our refuge and strength, a very PRESENT help in trouble.

Yes, it is good to focus on the present moment. This exercise can keep other thoughts at bay and give me time to catch my breath in tense circumstances.

However, I find it is best for me to go below and beyond what I can see and observe here in my little corner of the world. I can be mindful that beyond and below, underneath and always available, are the everlasting Arms. As I continue to turn to Him as my refuge, He will help me to not succumb to fear, “even though the earth should change and the mountains fall into the sea.”

Of course, there will be jolts and trauma. And these words although true are not magic. God is the One who helps me in whatever stage of quavering I might be. Indeed He is the One on whom I can focus my mind. In verse 10 of Psalm 46 God is the One who enjoins me to “Be still and know that I am God!”

These two realities I want to be mindful of today:
God is our refuge and strength, a very PRESENT help in trouble. “Be still and know that I am God!”

Lord, God thank You that You are present, really present at this moment. Thank You that, amazingly, You want to help me. Please help me to be still in body and heart and to know I have a welcome in You, even when I am shaky. You welcome the least groan or gaze in Your direction. We come in Jesus’ Name to You, our refuge and strength.
With love because of His welcoming love.

Carolyn