Which would you say is the most common human weakness?
- A. Living unaware?
- B. Greed?
- C. Pride?
- D. Selfishness?
According to pastor and author, Lou Guntzelman, the answer is A.*
Even twenty years ago when Guntzelman wrote his book, he saw many people living superficially, busily, and distractedly –moving too fast and focusing too much on insignificant matters.
Maybe those descriptors don’t apply to you. But I have been guilty on all counts. And those of us who tend to fly through our days risk missing many delights of life.
For example, we don’t see the unique qualities of the people around us.
We don’t hear the laughter of our children.
We don’t even think to take in deep gulps of rain-scented air, just for the pleasure of breathing.
We don’t taste and see God’s goodness in the world.
Blackwater Falls, WV
We don’t sense His presence.
But!
When we learn to engage the mind and especially the spirit in the moment at hand, we discover the splendor of God’s glory tucked into surprising places–right in front of us.
The moment one gives close attention to anything,
even a blade of grass,
it becomes a mysterious, awesome,
indescribably magnificent world in itself.
–Henry Miller
The obvious question is: how do we reprogram ourselves to live more aware?
Perhaps the first step is to condition our minds through quiet reflection.
In a place of solitude, we avail ourselves of his presence and redirect our attention from the day’s cares to God’s truth.
Sometimes that might include:
- Studying and contemplating scripture, open to a change of heart or a change of direction
- Naming God’s attributes and celebrating how he’s demonstrated those attributes in our lives
- Keeping a gratitude journal, to help us tune in to the positive (It’s a transformative habit!)
- Reading books by thought-provoking Christian authors, then mentally processing their tenets, and seeking ways of application to life when appropriate
The state of our minds affects our perception of everything.
Second, we condition our focus.
We determine to:
Backyard beauties at our house, on display the end of April
- Appreciate more fully the natural wonders around us—even in the backyard, on the way to work, while running errands.
- Honor each person we meet with eye contact, smiles, and a kind word.
- Sift out the immaterial and apply ourselves to the important.
- Refuse pointless worry and find priceless treasure in scriptural reassurance and God’s inimitable peace.
- Pursue wholeness—the state of being perfectly well in body, soul (mind, will, and emotions) and spirit. That happens as we submit more and more to God’s perfect ways (Psalm 119:1-2).
And what will be the result?
Each day there will be the anticipation of discovery and delight, joyful praise and expectant hope.
We’ll find ourselves speaking to God more and more often, and hearing his whispers in our hearts. We’ll experience greater satisfaction in life as we train our focus on him and savor his endless blessings.
Bottom line: We will live on the threshold of heaven.
* * * * * * * * * *
Oh, this is where I want to live, Father—on the precipice of your glory. Though responsibilities must be taken care of, I can still take note and inwardly soak in all the beauty, blessings, discoveries, and lessons that you bring to my attention. Help me to live aware!
*Lou Guntzelman, So Heart and Mind Can Fill, St. Mary’s Press, 1998.
Image credits:
http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; wwwpxhere.com; http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com (2); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pixnio.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.quotefancy.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com.
(This post reblogged from June 21, 2018 while we enjoy a visit from out-of-town family.)
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Beautiful post, full of wisdom for living a life that is centered in God’s Holy Word. I think keeping a gratitude journal is an excellent practice…a place to write Bible passages, a place to contemplate the ‘good’ that each day holds, a place to simply thank God for His constant guidance and mercy. The more we live in the moment and celebrate the gifts in our presence, the more God’s peace and joy abounds in our lives…It is a daily practice, a daily journey.
I love your ideas, Linda, for expanding the gratitude journal beyond listing the blessings of the day, valuable as that habit is. But a place to write favorite Bible passages, or those ministering to us in the current moment, a place to thank God for his attributes that we see on display–those are worthy additions! Thank you!
This post is a blessing and wonderful reminder and guide. Enjoy your family time!
Thank you, Linda. We certainly did enjoy our time together, squeezing in many activities during their visit. They left this afternoon! 🥲
Living on the threshold of heaven . . . that’s what being aware of God’s presence can mean to all of us daily when we purposefully seek Him in every miracle, big and small, that is waiting for us to take notice. So beautifully and eloquently expressed here, Nancy. Blessings always!
Thank you, Martha, for your kind words. It’s a delightful way to live, seeking evidence of God’s presence along the way! (Again, Lord, help me to be mindful!)
You have a natural gift of guiding us into God’s presence. To look at life as being the precipice of heaven may seem difficult to some, but if we live in the moment, enjoy God’s blessings rather than our own miseries and turn to Him in times of need, we are indeed on the threshold of heaven. I can’t wait to reach that door.
Thank you, Kathy, for your kind words. You are so right–becoming aware of God’s glory on display around us takes practice (but it’s delightful practice). And one day soon, “Face to face we shall behold Him . . . Face to face in all His glory!” (from the chorus of the old hymn, “Face to Face.”)
Love this meaningful reminder to savor the delights of life! Thank you, Nancy!
Thank YOU, Wynne. God has given us MUCH to savor, hasn’t he?
I like the words you chose here: Second, we condition our focus. and Bottom line: We will live on the threshold of heaven. so good!! I fully agree living unaware is a downfall of all of us and living more mindful and awake to God’s wonder would make such a difference in life for all of us!
Absolutely, Jean. Like so many endeavors, the more we practice, the more we discover and enjoy. The more we discover and enjoy, the more we want to practice–AND, the more joy awaits!
In my mind I grasp the concept of ‘living on the threshold of heaven’ as I look forward to meeting my Savior in Heaven. I yearn to escape the ever-present decline and disrespect for Jesus in this world. However, I really need to grasp the JOY that can be found in God’s beautiful creations in my world today. The older I become the more I have taken notice of the absolute beauty all around me. Yesterday I noticed the way God camouflaged an insect as a piece of wood to blend in with its surroundings. That is ART! The bottom line is that I will endeavor to be more joyful here and now!!! He gave us so much to be in awe of when he created this world. Great post, Nancy!
Thank you, Cheri. For me, one of the gifts of retirement has been the slower pace of life most days. I can stand at the kitchen window and marvel at the various flowers taking their turns from spring to fall, the thick greenery giving cover to animals and birds, the antics of the squirrels, etc. I can take the time to research a science question and marvel how God designed this universe, down to each and every atom. With you I’ve even enjoyed certain insects we’ve found! And I marvel at the variety and beauty he’s provided in creation. Yes, we look forward to heaven, but “Until then, my heart will go on singing, Until then with joy I’ll carry on!” (From the chorus of an old hymn, “Until Then.”) Part of that joy is reveling in God’s glory around us.
‘Until Then’! One of my favorite hymns. Stuart Hamblin wrote it in 1958. He and I share the same birthday!!! He wrote many great songs. He wrote “Open Up Your Heart (And Let the Sunshine In)”, and “It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)”. I did a study of hymns a few years ago and it was wonderful to learn what prompted a writer to compose a hymn. Sometimes it was due to a sad event. But the author found joy as he wrote it.
So you know “Until Then!” It IS a heart-stirring hymn. I too enjoy learning the back-story of hymns, praise choruses, and worship songs. (Of course, as a long-time reader of this blog, you know that, since I’ve included a few stories here over the years!) What fun that you should share Stuart Hamblin’s birthday!
People are so glued to their cell phones these days that sadly having a conversation seems like a lost art at times. I treasure my morning moments with God. Being present with God and with others is a blessing.
I too treasure my morning moments with God. That time together sets the tone for relationship, doesn’t it? Then I’m more likely to enjoy his creation, his engineering of circumstances, and more throughout the day, gratefully aware of his active involvement in it ALL (Romans 11:36)!
One phrase or another always jumps out at me in your posts, Nancy. This week it was “refuse pointless worry”. If only we could get my mother-in-law to turn off the television news – her constant companion – and just go outside and take a walk. Whenever we talk to her we hear the stress and worry in her voice as she talks about concerns she has no control over. She is a reminder, as is your post today, that peace and reassurance lie just outside the doors of our house, as close as our backyard. Maybe that’s why I enjoy the last walk of the dog at night, just listening and looking at the stillness around me.
You’re right Dave–over-consumption of media news can be unsettling. And, as my father used to say, “A man [or in this case, a woman] convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” I pray she reconsiders your suggestion to take a walk, as well as finds other, less-worrisome, programming to keep her company. / That walk with your dog at night does sound peaceful!
This is a good reason for praising the Lord at all times: “When we learn to engage the mind and especially the spirit in the moment at hand, we discover the splendor of God’s glory tucked into surprising places–right in front of us.” Thank you, Nancy! 🙂
You’re so welcome, Nancy. I’m glad you found a statement that resonated with your spirit!
Hi Nancy,
Yes, being caught up into the now of the world spends our days in futility. Help each day to glorify you, Lord.
Thank you, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Amen, Gary. I too desire to practice God’s presence more faithfully, to enjoy him more profoundly throughout each day!
Amen.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
I wouldn’t have picked living aware, but you’re so right, Nancy. We live in a loud world with images and things cluttering every moment of our lives. To find solitude and direct that time to focusing on the Lord and what He might say to us means we have to be still–and that’s really hard for me. I’m learning. But it’s an ongoing lesson that I must address daily. I appreciate the advice and thoughts, especially on how to condition my focus. Once again, my friend, you’ve offered me profound truths to ponder.
Praise God for the truths he provides, bit by bit, so we can learn and grow. I’m right there with you, Dayle, seeking to practice God’s presence more faithfully, day by day!
when I lead wilderness trips I literally preach “awareness” constantly. May I never become unaware of those around me. May I always heR God’s voice and recognize his prompts.
No doubt, Gary, you’ve experienced moments on your wilderness trips when “awareness” avoided trouble–life lessons that can certainly be applied in the spiritual realm, as you you’ve just illustrated!