What I Love to Do that Feeds My Soul

My thoughts run deep and wide.  Often times they tarry too long, especially when rehashing a situation or conversation that has gone wrong.  I've learned that I thrive on conclusions.  Thinking brings some, but others remain evasive.  However, one dwelling conclusion that sustains my soul daily is the faithfulness of God’s abiding presence in my life.  I truly believe that God, my loving Father, is as close to me as my very breath.  I picture this.  On a lonely night, tearfully preparing a lovely meal for me and the Lord, I set out candles and used my good dishes.  I sensed His pleasure in my offering and acceptance of my breaking heart.  We ate together.  I saw Him with me, embracing my tears of loss, wiping them away in His perfect love.  I've envisioned God sitting right beside me on the edge of my bed, listening, singing songs of comfort and truth, when pain kept me from sleeping.  Jogging outside in the warm sunshine, I picture Him running alongside me smiling, and I’m not afraid.  For me, understanding God’s presence in this way brings immense security and trust.  Sure, I forget He’s always present at times, but my mind’s eye is in training to forever capture my moments from this perspective.  My conversations seem to flourish all day long with the Lord, from one topic to the next.  I can say anything to a God who loves me and is present.  He loves me.  He’s here.  Always.  My soul is sustained in His presence.

There’s power in creation!  The Creator’s perfect handiwork speaks of His majesty, authority, and beauty.  To be still at the ocean’s edge simply gazing across the border-less expanse encourages me.  If my God can unite the moon and earth, sand and creatures, water and mind-boggling creativity within, He can care for me.  He can use me.  He will love me.  I feel stronger breathing in His grace when rejoicing in what He has made.  My granddaughter questioned what the fluffy ball on the end of a dandelion stem was.  I explained, asked her to pluck it from the ground, and blow.  She giggled as the tiny seeds scattered in the air.  I watched each little fluff tumble forward with her sweet voice in the background.  A treasured scene to be remembered.  The intricacy of creation is spectacular!  The laughter from this innocent child in that moment was priceless.  Time spent away from my regular routine of life breaks the stress mold.  The meticulous details of nature command my attention instead, and I’m reassured that my control is not what matters, but God’s.  My soul is inspired resting in the glorious decoration of nature.

When I’m stagnant, I’m deflated and sadness creeps in.  Give me an opportunity to learn, dig deeper, and grow, I’m alive!  My principle of life revolves around God’s Truth.  Studying brings new hope and revelation to my soul.  Writing brings clarity.  Sharing breeds testimony and stories to tell.  Empathy releases me to encourage and inspire.  Hearing prepares me to teach.  And, in each of these opportunities, my soul is nurtured and crawls a little bit closer to the God who longs for me.  My soul is nourished when I grow in His powerful, everlasting Word. 

I couldn't breathe without God’s presence, time in His creation, or feeding from His Word.  Yet, there’s a playful side of me that requires surprises, spontaneity, adventures, and plain old fun.  Allowing my new kitten to curl up on my lap and sleep while I’m sitting in my favorite chair brings a comforting rest to my heart.  Risking my healthy eating habits and delighting in ice cream for dinner occasionally, makes me smile.  Taking a spontaneous drive to an unknown destination gets me excited for what may lie ahead.  Hugs from the grand children, reading them books, taking them on a walk and discussing God’s amazing beauty in the pink hued sunset captures my heart like nothing else.  My soul is supported when the spiritual essentials in life intertwine with the joyous, fun activities and blessings in a simple day.

Living day to day, dependent upon God and content in the simple things of life, is what feeds my soul.  I am blessed to be alive and continuously full by a living God who feeds me well.  



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