Just Breathe

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

My daughter Jasmine has been dancing competitively for several years, but this was the first year she’d compete with a solo. As I watched her take the stage, I was nervous but excited for her.

She danced beautifully, but I observed she seemed a little off partway through the performance. No one else seemed to notice, but being her mom, I knew something wasn’t quite right.

As we watched the judge’s comments and critiques a few days later, I looked at Jazz. “Honey, it seems like most of what they’re commenting on comes down to your breath. Because I’ve seen you do this dance so many times in the studio, it looks like you forgot to breathe here.”

“Yeah,” Jasmine agreed. “I was just so nervous.”

“It’s understandable,” I reassured her. “It was your first time; I just think many of their critiques would go away if you simply remembered to breathe.”

She nodded in agreement. “I know. Next time, I’ll breathe more deeply.”

Later on, I thought about how often I can go through life tense, nervous, holding my breath. And how, just like in Jasmine’s performance, that can restrict the actions and even the risks I’m willing to take. Because if I’m walking through this life tense and anxious, I’ll miss all that God has for me. I won’t give myself over to fully trusting and moving into the things he has planned.

I’m thankful that it is the breath of the Almighty that gives us life. If we remember this, we are free—free to breathe deeply, have peace, and step into all that lies ahead. We needn’t fear; God is there.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Be aware of your breath today and when you may be holding it instead of breathing deeply. When you realize you are tense, imagine God breathing into your being and take a few deep breaths. Thank God that he has made you and given you life.