Just Breathe

Daily Gratitude Year 4- Day 217: Today, I am grateful that when weary, stressed, uncertain or tired...we can "just breathe". 

Breathe. 
Press on.
Breathe.
(Repeat as needed.)

Why does it change so much? Deep breathing is a stress management technique. Why does it work? There are biological answers, but my favorite is a spiritual one. Breathing is essential for life...but is so much more. 

God raised his hand and boom...he separated the dark from the light. He spoke and the universe fell into order. Managing the continuum of time and space, he played to his heart's delight. Creatures who could live in the land and the sea. Some even could manage both. He created life. Plants, trees, mammals, reptiles, insects and fish. The complicated biosphere delighted him down to the smallest of creatures. He designed them to thrive and survive. 

Then, he created man in His image. A masterpiece designed to look like him and to be in relationship with him. Not like the other pieces of creation. This one was special. God gave man something he extra. His breath! A soul breath.

Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. -Genesis 2:7 

Every so often, I find I return to this scripture. I have a recurring need to be reminded of the very act that brought God's beautiful, "in His image" creation to life. It was His breath. Not the perfectly designed air that he would breathe to sustain life...but His breath gave us life. It still does.

When we are weary, stressed, uncertain or tired...we can "just breathe" and be reminded of His breath.