Wednesday: Breathing, Gratitude & Mindfulness
September 10
- Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- Reflection: Take a breath. Inhale. Exhale.
What else is as common, and unnoticed, as breathing?
When we slow down and pay attention to the simple, mundane parts of life, we gain perspective. We develop appreciation for the effort of others, and the commonplace miracles within our lives. We can meditate on how power is generated, how electricity arrives, how water flows, how food is grown and prepared, how clothing is designed and constructed, how health is sustained, how communication occurs, how art and expression come into our lives, how shelter feels.
Have you heard the phrase, God is in the details? Sometimes, the commonplace and quotidian are also sacred.
What is it like to be comfortable in so many ways, even if we also have challenges in our lives? What person can you notice, in daily interactions, who makes parts of your life possible? A care provider? A public servant? A regular companion? A cashier? Postal worker? Police officer or first responder? Therapist, counselor, medical care provider? A family member? Journalist? Artist? Librarian? Teacher? Driver? Delivery person? Cook or chef? Server of some kind? Cleaner or custodian or property maintenance? Pet tender? Service vendors who work on utilities?
Notice others. Pay attention to the chain of events and circumstances that delivers everyday comforts and conveniences into your life. Give thanks for those, and acknowledge the people who make them possible.
Now take another breath. Inhale. Exhale. Does it feel different, when you’ve been mindful of the way your life is so connected to the care and labor of others? - Spiritual Practice: Take five minutes for deep breathing. Make time to look someone in the eye, today, and thank them. At the end of the day, reflect and write down three blessings for which you’re grateful.
Song:
- Gratitude by Brandon Lake: https://youtu.be/dQdfs5S6jyA?si=lABOZd9557vgLf-X
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” — Cicero
Sept 10 Daily Devotional