The Joy of Rambling

July 5, 2023

As always, I woke up this morning to my dog, Gus’ quiet “woof” that means “if you don’t wake up now, this sound can get louder.” 

After heating up yesterday’s coffee (I hate waste), feeding the dogs and letting them all out, I sat on my couch to meet with God. It will sound odd, but I have a corner of the room that I look to when I say good morning to Him. I know He’s not in that exact place, but for some reason my eyes always go there. As I looked at the corner, the lyrics to “Goodness of God” came into my head. I spoke them out loud to Him, and realized what a powerful prayer these lyrics hold:

“I love you, Lord, for your mercy never fails me. All my life I’ve been held in your hands. From the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God. 

All my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.” 

During this exchange, I reflected on how free I feel today. It is Wednesday, and I would normally have a long, exhausting (but rewarding) afternoon ahead of me. In the past I taught a few piano students, or worked with our youth praise team before leading regular band practice at our church. I am reveling in the fact that today I have only 2 students, and can bring Jim with me because he will enjoy listening in. I will not have a long afternoon of prep for rehearsal, and band practice that is always wonderful, but uses every ounce of my energy. I will not drive home, barely able to speak after taxing my voice for hours. 

In my life there have been seasons of great relief: a job obtained after months of financial lack; a house provided for me and my two girls after a long, arduous season that my own decision-making created; marrying a man who could provide for us after years of financial instability as a single mom. 

As I pondered these times in my life, I remembered that eventually the feeling of relief faded, and my routine became normal and unexceptional.

This morning is my third day of retirement. The freedom I’ve felt since Sunday afternoon continues. It overwhelms me that God saw fit to grant me such a beautiful end to a long career of leading His people in worship. 

I then opened my morning devotion and read: “The things that seem normal in your everyday routine are opportunities to turn your heart to gratitude. From the moment you wake up until the time you go to bed, be mindful as you go throughout your day.” 

Wow. God knew. God knows. God speaks. God strengthens and carries us. God is so good.

So, my message from Him today? Hang on to those God moments. Reflect on them. Don’t allow routine to make you complacent and forgetful. 

Every breath is a gift from God. Take time to breathe in His goodness and remember.