Pause

I pause for a moment and think of the love and the grace that God showers on me: I am created in the image and likeness of God; I am God's dwelling-place.

Thus begins the posting on "Sacred Space" (link to the right). I pause. Mind is not yet fussing....it simply receives what is being given.

Morning is the best block of time for me to rest in a "pause". The location for most of these morning musings is a porch that faces east. Even as I am writing I am blessed with the sun's winking light -- not too long ago I bathed in the beams of light from the setting moon. I could go so far as to say that this is my most treasured time of day. I yearn for this time when even the birds are doing their morning stretches...not yet purposeful and active in the routine "busy-ness" of their day. I see the deer rising from their beds, stretching, fawns engaged in playful gymnastics. The creatures of the day are waking up...the night sounds of crickets, toads and snuffling,rustling scavengers are ending.

Settled in the recliner here, mug of good coffee in hand, I pause to receive what only the Living God can bestow. Gratitude is the atmosphere in which I dwell...how else can I respond to the splendor that surrounds my waking moments? Waking up each day is indeed a miracle, isn't it?

As mind moves into action, I recognize a troop of thoughts and concerns that beckon my attention....but the discipline of pausing a while longer places the mind's energy before God for clarification and alignment. This moment lifts me from the limitations of human concerns, at least for a while...and I hover for as long as I can around a fundamental statement of faith: I am created in God's Image. How can I stay in that "place" of truth? My heart yearns to lean forward into that statement and take the lead as my thoughts and actions unfold throughout the day.

So this pause has ended...I pray that you dwell this day in the knowledge that YOU are God's dwelling place...created in God's image...Amen.