Morning's Moments

Today is a quiet, reflecting, take in the world around you kind of day for me. So far (and it's only 9:00AM) here are some random moments of the day...

*Walk in to Starbucks and the guy behind the counter asks me if I am on my way to church...Sure it is Sunday morning and a reasonable question except for the fact that when I am wearing the outfit I am this morning, people usually ask me if I am going running (not exactly church attire)...ok maybe only I find this funny...

*A mother and daughter just walked in. She was a mini...well actually a younger version of her mother...they were the same height. I like when a child looks almost exactly like their parent.

*Oh to just slow down and take in the world around you...I love it! To appreciate the beautiful sunny skies or the child standing on her head in her father's lap or the sweet elderly couple enjoying breakfast together.

*Ever since I conquered my third half marathon, all I want to do is shop for running gear and plan the next race. I am currently fighting the urge to look at Nike.com, disney.com, garmin.com, well you get the idea.


I have had a weird past couple of weeks. Like mixtures of good and bad days all in the same day. The kind of days where when people ask you how things are going, you can't quite decide what your answer should be. I guess I just have a lot on the mind (what's new, right?...I think too much about too much). Well this morning I was reading, and I came across a verse that the Lord often reminds me of in my quiet moments before my students rush the hallways. "Let your gentleness be made known to all." Philippians 4:5

I must confess this has not been the theme verse of my life lately. I have let my circumstances, my raw emotions, and feelings dictate my out pouring of gentleness. It's a tough place to be, letting circumstances control your attitude and actions, because life's circumstances are sure to disappoint. Things can change in a moments time. All may be right in your world, but something is bound to come crashing down and destroy those perfect circumstances. Not to mention the people that we unleash our raw emotions on 9 times out of 10 have no part in whatever it is that is making your heart ache or turning your world upside down, but boy do they often reap the "benefits" from it all.

Ultimately it comes down to one thing. I allow the shouts of the world, the frustrations building up inside me, to consume my thoughts instead of God's gentle voice whispering to my heart His truths. So as life is sure to throw me all kinds of curve balls this week I will find ways to rejoice and praise God. I will look for God's hand in all circumstances, good or bad, and seek his perspective in every situation, eager to see what He is working out for His glory and my good.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:4-5