It’s your breath in our lungs
As we pour out our praise,
Pour out our praise,
It’s your breath in our lungs
As we pour out our praise
To you only.
All the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry,
These bones will sing,
Great are You, Lord.
It’s your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
To you only
Leslie Jordan & David Leonard, All Sons & Daughters
– – – – – – – – – – –
There was a lull in the sanctuary the other morning as the worship pastor’s guitar faded; the piano’s tones softened on the keyboard. A quietness fell while we waited a few moments and listened.
From the back of the room a voice was lifted in confidence and confession–
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your wonders of old.”
Norm shouted his praise from Psalm 77 and we ‘amened’ the words on the other side.
It is not remarkable that there would be a moment of spontaneous sharing like that on a Sunday morning at our little Foursquare Church.
What is remarkable is that Norm is frail and bent over and confined to a wheelchair.
And without his oxygen tank towing forever behind him, he cannot breathe.
You would think he’d bemoan this fact each time he had a chance. That he’d recite a litany of ‘woe is me’s’ about his limited abilities to get around, his waning strength this last year, his reliance on the kindness of others to get him hither and yon.
But no, he shows up at church and our small group, he brings the Word and with all the breath he has in him, he belts it out.
Later on that day, I read these words:
There are countless hours in each day I never give a second thought to the fact that I can breathe, unassisted. I am upright, mobile, strong and healthy. I can shout and sing, laugh and yell. All manner of expressions are mine because of my Maker.
It is GOD’S breath in my lungs, whoooshed into me at birth, gracing me with strength and health these 60 plus years. I probably think about that fact a total of 30 seconds a week (or maybe never).
In/out, in/out, sing, talk, laugh, shout, pray….how many ways can I use my voice? How many times can I lift it in song? Countless, countless number of times. Without giving it a second thought.
This week I want to put on thankful, breathing praise in and out, and remember everything I have is a gift.
Everything.
~~~~~~~~~~
In/out, in/out, sing, talk, laugh, shout, pray….how many ways can I use my voice? How many times can I lift it in song? Countless, countless number of times. Without giving it a second thought.
This week I want to put on thankful, breathing praise in and out, and remember everything I have is a gift.
Everything.
~~~~~~~~~~
What is something ‘every day-ish’ that you take for granted? Share in the Comments.
the words “in person” above in your reply sounds wonderful. could happen. our kids are not that far from you, really. in fact, when we come hopefully in another year or so to stay for a period of time, like a couple months, we'll make it happen. we would love a house-sitting type arrangement…..who knows. God does.
Carol, I think OB nurses have the best job….because of that miracle. I hope to hear in person some more stories one day. Thank you for reading 🙂
For some reason i loved the image of His breath “whooshing” into a baby's lungs at birth. maybe because I was an OB nurse and the miracle of birth never ceased to amaze and thrill me.
Having the capacity of all of my senses-yes!
Fellow blogger, Diana Trautwein, wrote recently about reveling in feasts-for-the-senses at our disposal. Example: sit before a fire (sound and sight), wrapped in a cozy throw (touch), while sipping a fragrant tea (smell and taste). Savor the moment , soak up the delight, and speak gratitude for the privilege. Diana's post reminded me how thankful I am for each sense God gave us to experience his glorious world!
Eileen, there are many days I wake up and say, “Thank you, Jesus, that I am not in pain. Thank you that I am walking upright and unassisted.”
Great reminder, Jody. I used to take mobility for granted and then my dad had a stroke 3 yrs ago that left him paralyzed and unable to get out of bed by himself. I don't take it for granted anymore.
So much to be grateful for, especially the blue skies….Oh, yes, Oxford Commas are definitely every day-ish….what would we do without them?
Thankful for my healthy body, my strong Scottish constitution, my increasing mental and emotional health, blue skies, and whitecaps on the Sound. Also, Oxford commas.
I hope to be like Norm when I'm his age! Thanks Jody 🙂
I love that Norm has such a ministry of reminding. We have Norms in our fellowship as well, and what a blessing to the body.