I forget, as the minutes tick past, caught up in the reality of my here-and-now. Waiting, praying, longing for relief that has not yet come.
I forget, reaching forward, hoping for what is down the road, wriggling impatiently as I sit in my chair, typing, day after day after day. It’s hard, this enforced sitting still, waiting to be freed from and to be freed to…
“He knows,” I whisper to myself. “He knows what we need.”
In this very time of enforced solitude, of dreams yet unfulfilled, He speaks: “Breathe in. Breathe out.
“Breathe in My grace. Breathe out your fear.
“Breathe in grace. Breathe out doubt.
“Breathe in My strength. Exhale your weakness.
“Breathe in…Me.”
Ah. Yes. There it is. How is it that I’m so slow to learn, slow to grasp this precious lesson? Above all of my longings; above all of my dreams; above, even, personal comfort and ease – above all, He is. And He is enough.
He does not (I’m beginning to see this) give grace for next year, next month, or next week. I don’t need grace just yet for tomorrow or even for the next trial. The grace He gives is for the now. This moment. This breath.
That’s all that’s needed. Breath by breath, taking in holy grace; sitting, moving, living in His presence just one moment at a time.
All the moments, like raindrops, run together, writing hours and days and weeks and years in the stories of my life and yours. And this is how we live in that grace all sufficient, the lavish grace that “helps in time of need.”
Breathe in. Breathe out. Sweet, sweet grace.
I first read this on Rhonda’s blog. I liked it so much I copied the “Breathe in Breathe out” verse and then made a small plaque that I still have hanging on my wall at work. Thank you, Suzanne for sharing this on your blog. It reminded me to look at the plaque more often.
It’s been “that kind of week” for me, Barb. I needed it again, too. 🙂
Love your books. Am checking out your website for the first time. We live in Arizona but I’m from the midwest. Last night one of your books helped me remember that the Amish way is about family not the more familiar landscape of which woodstoves, snow and buggies remind me. I am preparing a meal and cookies for my 3 new grandkids and their family who are moving here within 2 miles of us. What a blessing!
Wow! I so enjoyed this post. Such a great reminder as I finish up a busy and stressful week. I am really looking forward to a calm and relaxing weekend with my husband. Rhonda, I will be checking out your site!
I look forward to meeting you over there, Molly. Enjoy your time with your husband!
This is such beautiful writing! I’m inspired! Keep up the good work!
Thank you for stopping by, Sonya, and for your word of encouragement. Happy Monday!
I don’t even know how I ended up here, however I assumed this put up was
once great. I don’t understand who you’re but certainly you’re
going to a well-known blogger when you aren’t already. Cheers!