flickr photo credit ninamatthewsphotography

“God gave you a gift of 86, 400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?”

William Arthur Ward

The lights were off and the room fell silent. After a busy day, our children were wiped and wanting to go to bed. This alone was indicative of a miracle. Our six year old climbed up on my lap and snuggled in. I brushed her hair behind her ears and whispered that I loved her. Every mama knows it is in these moments that the little in our girls and the movement of time collide.

“I want to sleep, mom, but I can’t.”

The events of her exciting day ran wild through her mind. She was caught up in the moments and struggled to let them go.

I can relate. I struggle with the same.

I often see what is right in front of me. Bills that need to be paid. Schedules that need to be met. Laundry that is multiplying. Stuff that consumes me and I rent out way more brain space to then I should.

“Let me turn on one of my favorite hymns for you.”

I cue Children of the Heavenly Father on my phone and together we get lost in the hymn. I can sense Hannah’s body begin completely settle and mine follows suit. Our minds are one with His and the rest of life’s details have fallen away.

The hymns continue – Come Though Fount, This is My Father’s World, It is Well with My Soul – classics in the darkness that shield my eyes from the “stuff” of daylight. And, I am drawn into His provision, His love, and His blessings. God’s Truth lavishes me in peace.

Have I given thanks for you today, Lord?

I am ashamed to admit that I do not give enough time and thanks to the One who gives me all my time to begin with. The result is stress and moments void of joy that threaten to destroy. As Ann Voskamp once said, “Every moment I live, I live bowed to something. And if I don’t see God, I’ll bow down before something else.”

I need to spend more time worshipping in the dark. For it is there that He and I are truly alone and, in those special moments, I find gratitude regardless of circumstance.