Small graces, if I slow to notice them, have profound power.
Yesterday I was rushing to finish my morning walk while my mind darted from one task to the next. I was pounding the pavement like my life depended on it all the while wishing to be done so I could get home and start the day! With one foot planted determinedly in front of the other, a bright yellow goldfinch burst out of nowhere right into my line of vision. Everything slowed as I watched her graceful dip towards a tree branch but just before her tiny feet touched down, she soared. Small graces…
For the rest of my walk I was completely tuned in to small graces. A butterfly resting on a bush, a neighbor waving with one hand cradling a mug in the other, an orange tabby crouched behind a car eying Ollie-the-pup and I …each time I noticed a small grace I couldn’t help smiling. And each time I smiled I couldn’t help but give thanks.
Ann Voskamp says that “Here is the only place I can love Him.”
Here.
When all of my attention is in the moment… not thinking ahead about things I need to do…not looking behind feeling regret about things I haven’t done.
But all of me. Right. Here.
Being “here” in the moment is sometimes a challenge but I’ve noticed when I pay attention to small graces it’s almost impossible for my mind to wander and get into shenanigans 😉
How do you best stay in the moment my friends? I pray that each of us would have moments today when we’re all 100% here.
xo
Sharon says
July 17, 2013 at 5:29 amWell amen. I really need to learn to live in the moment. Looking ahead to the next moment seems to be the way I live my life…and it wears on me.
So, I’m going to agree with you in prayer that we both have moments today that we are 100% here.
Thank you so much for the encouraging word.
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:34 pmSharon, sending you love my friend, thank you for your encouragement xo
Julie Garmon says
July 17, 2013 at 7:24 amYou’re so right, Robin. And my mind has wandered in shenanigans for years. (Love that word!)
What’s helping is exactly what you’re doing–listening to Ann V on my iPod. Now that I know there’s another way to live I must keep choosing it!
Love you. Love this post. Love your photo!
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:32 pmJulie, it’s such a challenge isn’t it? No other way but to choose my focus and not just let my mind go 🙂 xo
Julia @ Cuckoo4Design says
July 17, 2013 at 7:35 amOne of the best places for me to stay in the moment and not worry or think about anything, is the beach. Without a doubt.
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:31 pmJulia! I totally agree!!! (and maybe for you, Germany!!! ) xo
TracyG says
July 17, 2013 at 8:03 amYour words will stay with me today, especially since today’s reading in the “Jesus Calling” devotional was about walking with HIM in the midst of all our busyness. Nature is surely one of His best creations for us, so today, despite the unbearable heat, I will be hydrated by Him. (at the beach, I might add) 🙂
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:31 pmTracyG, you know, the beach is one of the best places for me to slow my pace and focus on what matters – xo
Deb White says
July 17, 2013 at 8:04 amRobin, thanks for sharing this reminder…those small graces never grow old…if only we recognize them. Blessings to you!
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:29 pmDeb, blessings right back at ‘cha my friend xo
Angela says
July 17, 2013 at 9:39 amI just love your posts of encouragement! Such a lovely way to start my day! Today I will try to stay in my moments and, of course, you will be on my mind! Have a great day, Robin!~~Angela
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:28 pmAng, you are such an encouragement yourself my friend xo
Diana says
July 17, 2013 at 10:27 amThank you Robin. Today, it is hard to focus on the moment with all the distractions. When I catch myself unfocused and frantic I slow my breathing and really look at the flowers, birds, even the trees and sky. Nature always seems to ground me momentarily and makes me smile. If you really watch the birds they are amazing little creatures that God created. Imagine being one soaring through the sky it is very calming. I confess I love birds and got off track…..LOL.
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:28 pmDiana, nature helps me too but you’ve reminded me to slow my breathing, that really does bring my heart rate down and calm my thoughts… (you made me grin getting off track like that) xo
Cindy D. says
July 17, 2013 at 3:46 pmIsn’t is awesome when God sends us “reminders” just when we need it. I saw a butterfly just like the one in your picture this morning and it reminded me to thank Him …before I rushed into the busyness of the day. I just found your website and FB page today and I already feel blessed to have found it!
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:24 pmCindy, I’m so happy to meet you my new friend! I love that you saw a yellow butterfly this morning! I look so forward to getting to know you xo
Robin says
July 25, 2013 at 7:11 amCindy, I’m so happy to meet you my new friend xo
Melanie says
July 17, 2013 at 4:22 pmHow true is that? I think most of us dart about, rushing from one task to the next, just to get things done. We rarely take the time to really SEE what’s going on around us. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and open our eyes!
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:23 pmMelanie, That’s me for sure, darting around from one task to another…I have to intentionally practice focusing on my moments xo
Vicky says
July 17, 2013 at 5:03 pmSo beautifully related through your graceful story and words. I felt like I stepped right into a walk along side you and could sense the small graces being noticed along with you. I carry my gratitude journal with me and I think it keeps me constantly looking for those moments too- not just to see them- but to really be in them. Thank you for this today!
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:22 pmVicky, I believe you are most always in your moments. It’s your strength I think xoxo
Pinky says
July 17, 2013 at 5:03 pmI lived in the moment this morning as a sat by the pool, all alone and quiet. I read pages and pages from one of my Al-Anon books and drank it all in. Prayed for you twice today. XO
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:20 pmPinky, thank you my friend, I value you prayers more than you’ll ever know. Sending you love and saying prayers for you and yours. ox
Robin says
July 18, 2013 at 3:25 pmtesting comment
Robin says
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