Worker Wellness Blog
Stop to “Smell the Roses”
My husband recently suggested taking our boat out to view July’s full “buck moon.” I declined, opting to laze in my comfy clothes at home. Until now I didn’t even realize that each month has a named full moon. I’ve never been much of a moon, star, sunset, or sunrise gazer, although I am occasionally caught off-guard by their beauty. I have friends and acquaintances, though, who regularly post their appreciation of each and every sunrise, sunset, full moon, and special star-gazing experience in pictures. Others do so over flowers, birds, and other aspects of creation.
A recent morning devotion about God’s creation left me with some conviction about my lack of interest and appreciation, and challenged me to try to live differently.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.
Psalm 19:1, paraphrased
And in Isaiah’s vision of the Lord on His throne, the seraphim call out to one another that the whole earth is full of His glory.
I needed this reminder because lately my device scrolling elicits posts that depict abuse: abused animals that have been rescued, and the issue of children being trafficked, abused, and neglected. As my heart breaks, my mind clutters with images, and worse, worry and fret. While I’ve prayed over what I can do to help, and have taken a few practical steps, I also realize that this ugliness has been, and will continue to be, a part of life in this sinful world, and I’m just being inundated with it now because of my previous “clicks.” Such content sure darkens my outlook.
Being reminded that nature’s beauty is a gift from God that reminds us of His presence left me ashamed that I didn’t take more of those opportunities, like taking the boat out to observe a buck moon, to pause and reflect on it. The heavens do declare the glory of God, and His creation proclaims His power and majesty. I had been overlooking His gifts, little glimpses and foretastes, of heaven to come. And instead, I was letting the world’s sinfulness and depravity possess my thoughts and darken my attitude. I determined to do a better job of appreciating His treasures in the future.
What about you? Do you struggle with what captivates your thoughts and time? Does what you are regularly viewing fuel the work God has given you to do? Or does it drain you?
My new personal challenge is to intentionally smell the roses, gaze at the stars, and say “yes” to viewing a sunset, sunrise, or full moon.
Seek the things above, where Christ is.
Colossians 3:1, paraphrased
And with the Lord’s help, as I do, I will keep seeking the things above, thanking my heavenly Father for these gifts that declare His glory, power, and control in all things.
Shawn Maassel
Shawn Maassel is a retired church worker, having served First Lutheran Church & Little Lambs Preschool (Huntingtown, MD) for 25 years. She continues volunteering at FLC & LLPS, leads fitness classes for Body & Soul Fitness® and Bible studies with First Place 4 Health. She enjoys time with her husband and traveling to visit their long-distance children and grandsons. Follow her other blogs and posts at inhiscourts.com and on YouTube.