Breathe-Deeply Moments

She sat on a tiny tree branch five inches from my face just looking at me. I stood there with the container of birdseed in hand ready to pour some into the empty plastic hanging pan. I softly spoke to her as I admired her. She wasn’t afraid. I couldn’t help but smile at the feathered beauty within my reach. A few moments passed before she flew away and I dumped more birdseed into the hanging pan. The little chickadee didn't go far. She eyed me from the branch of another tree. She'd be back to grab a peanut treat.

Nearby, a little red squirrel waited at the base of a different tree. He watched patiently. I imagined his little mouthwatering in anticipation of the roasted peanuts and black oil sunflower seeds he’d soon be munching on. His markings were perfect, and I just wanted to pick him up and tickle his little white belly.

The birds chirped and tweeted in a lovely chorus, and I couldn’t help but think maybe this is what made the Lord see that His creation was good.

I have started to intentionally look for breathe-deeply moments in the busyness of my days. Do you know what I mean? They are those times when the tension within, that has kept you holding your breath, is released as you ground yourself in the present moment. You’re no longer preoccupied with a stress or anxiety that keeps your neck muscles taut. Instead, you’re taking in long full breaths and looking at things around you as if it’s the first time you’ve laid eyes on them or heard them. You’re finding delight in simplicity.

Life gets so complicated, and we miss so many gifts the Lord sends our way. Blessings that could bring a smile to our faces or wonder to our hearts. We get stuck in the muck and mire of the pages of priorities we’ve highlighted for the day. And fail to find any joy in living.

Are you just making it through? Do you know that isn’t what the Lord intends for you? As believers, He has promised us abundant life.

John 10:10 AMP tells us:

[10] The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Satan wants to steal our joy and keep us believing the Lord is holding out on us. But God’s word tells us differently. He desires us to enjoy His gifts and give Him praise.

So, take a few minutes today to enjoy being fully present. Take notice of what makes up your breathe-deeply moments. Don’t let the heaviness of life weigh you down. There are so many things, people, and circumstances that can steal our joy if we don’t guard our hearts. Make it your aim to find reasons to praise the Lord.

Some of my breathe-deeply moments include:

• listening to classical music

• snowshoeing

• being out in nature with the birds, squirrels, bunnies, and other little creatures

• painting with watercolors (nothing fancy, just adding color to my journal pages)

• sipping a cup of peach tea as I read a good book

• taking care of my flowers

I hope these inspire you to come up with a few ideas of your own. And remember to sprinkle them through your day. Some days only allow time for one or two, but you'll find they bring you peace and joy. Live the abundant life the Lord desires for you.

Thanks so much for taking a few minutes to read this. May your heart be touched with hope today!