Friday, March 31, 2006

Staying grounded.

Staying grounded in my life means that I have to connect with God and keep focused on what truly matters in my life. If you were to count the number of times that I whisper a prayer throughout my day, you would think that I was trying to earn my sainthood status. It's no secret here that I live my life in light of Heaven. I live knowing that there is an endpoint- that God created me for a purpose, that God wants my heart and my worship- which on any given day or at any moment- looks like different things. For me it doesn't just happen Sunday morning in church. In fact, sometimes during my week I worship more in my heart rinsing dishes as I load them into my dishwasher, than I do in my heart on Sunday morning.
Last night, after washing three little girls' hair, I plugged my keyboard into the outlet in front of the bathroom door, and worshipped God while they finished splashing in the tub for 20 minutes. The more they splashed, the louder I sang. They laughed and played and I imagined what it will be like to glimpse Heaven for the first time.
If you haven't imagined what Heaven will be like- I invite you to think about it at some point this weekend. Maybe some spring flowers are starting to pop out of the ground in your yard. Or maybe your life is so full of chaos and stress that you can't handle one more thing on your plate. I invite you to turn your focus to God for a few minutes and see life from a different vantage point. It's amazing to me how looking at life from God's point of view, can put my life back into place.
It puts a little spark into my day- even in the middle of wet bath towels and drippy kids. God will meet you anywhere. I think sometimes He even enjoys bathtime and doing the dishes with us. We just don't think to enjoy His presence here as often as we should. I wonder where He's gonna meet me in my day today?! Goodness knows I can use Him... that's what keeps me grounded.

11 comments:

Amy T Schubert said...

I've always loved Anne's view of heaven (from the Anne of Green Gables books) -- have your girls read those? The idea that Heaven is not a place where we will be forever solemn and play harps, but we could enjoy a perfect life ... there will be spring time and trees and we'll sing for joy (not because it's required) ... I really formed my idea of Heaven and Christian love ... from reading those books starting in elementary school ...

Anonymous said...

Thank you. I don't know what else to say but that. Thank you.

Kristy said...

Oh Jody... Your post today is so beautiful. I appreciate your comments on my blog... I have been working on putting more meaningful things up there.

I have not taken the time to go back in your blog, but I will. No doubt about it.. I will!

You are so right about worship. With God it is ALL about your hear. He does not want the show he wants your hear. Thank you for such a beautiful blog!

Anonymous said...

I love that you can find our Heavenly Father in the daily, simple things. I truly believe that God enjoys a good musical bath every now and then! When I look into the eyes of my toddler, I realize just how lucky I am that God would send one of his perfect, precious spirits to love me and call me Mama. I find God in my family. You are truly an inspiration and I love your amazing insight. Please keep it coming!

annie said...

Thank you.
You are such a blessing.

Anonymous said...

I like your view of God, and of heaven.

Just out of curiosity though, what are your thoughts on loved ones in Heaven? Can they ever join you in part of your day? Can you occasionally look to them for guidance or reassurance? Or would that interfere w/your relationship with HIM.? I'm asking not to challenge your thinking in any way, but because I genuinely want to know what others think/believe.

Thanks again for a thought-provoking blog.

Anonymous said...

You've just put a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Playing "I Can Only Imagine" at this moment. The song gives me goosebumps, as did your words. Thank you from a complete stranger. God bless.

Lain said...

The amazing thing is that however wonderful we think it will be, whatever we can imagine, the reality will be much, much, much more amazing!

When my kids ask me about what heaven will be like, I tell them to imagine what it's like when we're all in bed together, snuggling, and we feel warm and safe and happy. "That's what it feels like -- but all the time!"
XOXOX
L

Anonymous said...

loved loved loved this --- so true --

suzspeaks said...

Wonderful post!!!!

Anonymous said...

I am reading this at the perfect time and yes, I do think often of what Heaven will be like. I like to believe that I will suddenly understand all that I cannot understand here on earth.

Thank you. :-)