Monday, August 25, 2008

Life Itself

I'm at my favorite place in the world, seeking a little peace and quiet and doing a little self-care with my favorite people in the world (see below). Conditions are perfect for peace, quiet and self-care; not too many folks here right now. Lots of room to move, lots of blue skies and perfect weather.

Currently, I'm reading Gifted To Lead: The Art of Leading As A Woman In the Church by Nancy Beach. I picked this up in June and dug into it last week. I expected it to be good, but I'm finding it beyond simply good. It's stunning, inspiring and spiritually challenging.

By the way - women? Read this book.

Here's something I read today that has been twirling in my heart for the past few hours; she quotes Frederick Buechner from Now and Then:

"There is no event so commonplace but that God is present within it, always hiddenly, always leaving you room to recognize him or not to recognize, but all the more fascinatingly because of all that, all the more compellingly and hauntingly... Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace."

Wow.

Life itself is grace.

Just chew on that for a while.

Then I read Robyn's blog - "3 Girls Mom"; writing about her experience at a Beth Moore teaching conference, she had this to say:

"I also learned that EVERYTHING in my life (good or bad) has been allowed by God for the sole purpose of glorifying Him. And if I don't use those life experiences (good and bad) to glorify Him, then they were all in vain. Think about that the next time you want to throw yourself a pity party."

God is reminding me today of a few very important things. I find them mind-boggling, heart-wrenching, and spirit-renewing.

And that's a very good thing.

Oh, and my favorite people in the world? Here they are:


10 comments:

3girlsmom said...

This rocks! Thanks for visiting my blog! Come back anytime!

Jackie said...

aaahhhhhh.....sounds wonderful! Breathe in a little salty air for me!!
love to all!

my15minutes said...

Beautiful quote by Buechner.

*Shannon said...

I love the beach!! I'm so glad we got to come one more time. I like this picture too!

Kelley said...

Life itself is GRACE... you might have to change the name of your blog to that...

No words for that picture... it is awesome.. You need to blow it up HUGE and frame it to hang in your living room...

Bill said...

Love the "My favorite people in the world" shot! .....and I know them each personally....they are some of my favorite people too!

Jayne said...

I LOVE that photo Beth! :c) Have a wonderful time and keep soaking it all in.

africakidandtheworld said...

Have a fun, fun, fun time together with your favorite people at the shore!

All your pictures are beautiful. Love the linked arms one of your kids.

annie said...

Hey, it's a "bootie shot"! I love it!
AND I love the quote by Buechner!

Unknown said...

beth, i need to send you some links to some teaching by sybil towner from willow on responding to God in the story of your life... i've listened to part 1 so far. good stuff. i'm trying to do that!!