Everyday Glory

My last post was about the importance of the present moment.  Today I want to talk about the sheer joy of having eyes to see something Holy and special in the plain and simple.  We are having one of those moments right now at our house.  Actually, a whole day filled with those moments.  I don't think I would have seen all of this today if I had not been staying present first.

After playing together for a while, we began to play separately.  My almost-3-year-old wandered off and returned to create the above scene.  It could be hard to see something special in the greater context of this general mess...  I could have focused on all the work she and I will have to do to straighten this later.  I could have let it make me feel tired and overwhelmed.

I also could have focused on the fact that she was playing with my electric candles from the bathroom.  I could have been bothered by her "messing" with my stuff.

Instead, it occurred to me that this moment was Holy.  As my worship music played in the background on my I-Phone, she was following my lead, in her own way, entering into the spirit of the moment.  I was offering my own gift of love to God, giving Him attention in the middle of my day and my own mess.  Music is my fastest doorway to seeing the Presence of God all around me.  She was entering the spirit of the moment in her own way, bringing gifts to present to me and her sister. 

I'm so glad I saw this moment and accepted it.  I took the candle-toy creation she offered.  We each held our own candle-toy creation up and offered it to the Lord.  Our typical morning worship through song became multi layered and even more beautiful with Samantha's added offering.  Annabelle, three months old, too small to hold anything, but there was a candle in front of her nonetheless.

Some people do Advent candles during the holidays.  Occasionally I've thought of participating.  I might not feel the need to do it this year.  My heart is full of these candles and this moment.  It may just carry me through the next two months without the time, energy and thought it takes to intentionally create traditions.  It's a good time for me to be unburdened by traditions.  A time when it's taking most of my energy to sustain the life of a three month old and attend the needs of an energetic little girl.

I wish each one of you had been here to experience this moment with us.  But we are here and you are there.  At your desk, at a stop light, on your couch, in a waiting room, you name it... wherever you are, I'm calling you, drawing you in through the Internet, to join me.  What moment are you experiencing right now?  If you are feeling uninspired and cynical, stop everything you are doing for 3 minutes.  No matter how important your current task is.  Especially if you current task is important!  Stop everything for 3 minutes and ask Him to open your eyes and your heart.