Taking a deep, cleansing, therapeutic breath of fresh, cool morning air, I slowly inhale to fill my lungs with this invigorating, energizing necessity of life. Strengthened and stirred with enthusiasm, I take the next breath, and the next.

So, a new day has dawned, as a breath of fresh air. Breathing deeply, I reflect upon God's Promises, His Greatness and Power, His Goodness, Love and Grace. Filled with hope and expectations, I am spurred on with renewed vigor. But then, with gradual release of air, I contemplate the challenges and problems that lay ahead. A myriad of thoughts arise, invoking fears, doubts and uncertainties.

The day goes on with such continual, vacillating movements. If I tried to take extra breaths to press ahead more rapidly, I would hyperventilate. If holding my breath to avoid or procrastinate the inevitable, I become faint. If plunging too rapidly into my activities, pursuing my plans, I would soon find myself weary and out of breath. These result in frustration and discouragement.

Each breath, as involuntary, sub-conscience act, is from God, His life-giving, life-sustaining gift. I take each one by faith, believing the next will follow after, trusting them to God's control. Why then would I endeavor to choose or manipulate the events and circumstances that arise in the course of the day, as if they are in my power and control?

When trusting God's leading and guiding Hand, I need not be concerned about one moment, or the next. I should choose rather to simply accept from God what He wills for each moment of the day, acknowledging His Supreme and Sovereign control. Should this not be as simple as the habitual act of breathing? Go ahead and take a breath of fresh air.

© Sheryl Splane