Take A Moment and Breathe – Devotion 320

During this pandemic, my world has become more hectic and demanding.  There are deadlines and more deadlines.  People seem to expect the impossible and so I work harder to try and meet the demands.  I am extremely grateful for my job, but it can be overwhelming some days.  I was speaking with a colleague who shared the sentiment and shared with me the need to just take a deep breath.  It can be so difficult we even forget to breathe.  I know that sounds ridiculous.  We all breathe without even thinking about it.  But when things are so fast paced, we sometimes forget to take a moment and really breathe – one breath at a time.  

I am amazed at what a few moments to simply breathe can do for my mind, my body and my spirit.  It is as if God has given this gift we take for granted which can calm our souls with just a moment.  It doesn’t take any special training.  It doesn’t take skills.  We simply take a moment and inhale…exhale…repeat.  It even seems to change the perspective, if but for just a moment.

Taking this moment to breathe can help us when we are anxious or angry, when we find ourselves clenching our teeth or feeling the beating of defeat.  A simple breath can bring us back to center.  It reminds us of our humanity.  We are given a moment of redirection.  

God breathes life into us and we live.  In our anxious world, a breath can go a long way for our mental and spiritual health.  I can’t help but think of John’s account of Jesus meeting with the disciples after his resurrection.  He speaks peace to them.  After this, he breathes on them – the breath of hope, of love, of joy, and a future.  He breathes the Holy Spirit upon them.  God breathed life into the first human and he continues to breathe life into each of us.  Take a moment to simply breathe today.  God is providing what we need.

Focus Scripture:

John 20:21-22

²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” ²² When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

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