Psithurism

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 268: Today, I am grateful for psithurism (sith' yur is um)...the sound of the wind in the trees and the rustling leaves.

Growing up less than an hour from Chicago...on a flat Midwest farm... believe me when I say... I know wind. I know the howl and the roar. I know the whisper... and the rustle. I like the rustle. 

As a child, fierce winds shaking an 1800's farmhouse could be a little frightening. Then, there were other times, the gentle rustle of leaves outside a window was an evening lullaby or a morning song as leaves began to dry and drop... signifying fall ahead.  The scent in the air unique to the season would fill the room. How could I not fall in love with Autumn? The sounds, the scents and the colors are all so captivating. 

A swish, a swoosh and a whoosh... and the occasional crackle. Psithurism. The gentle rustle is captivating and unpredictable in rhythm, as only God directs the winds.  

And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided. -Genesis 8:1 

This is from the Genesis record of Noah and the Great Flood. God made a wind and directed it for his purpose to dry the flooded land. Then this passage from Proverbs:

"Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? 

What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know! 

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar." -Proverbs 30:4-6

(Yes...that is Old Testament scripture in reference to Jesus.) 

He parts the waters, walks on water, calms the stormy seas... and rustles the autumn leaves. Who has gathered the wind in his fists? 

The Hebrew word for wind... in both scriptures is "ruwach". Best translated as Spirit, wind and...sometimes breath. 

How many times has man cost God his breath? How many times do we fight against the winds of the Holy Spirit's direction as we determinedly press toward our own goals? Haven't we all been there?  Does that work out for you any better than it does for me? 

What does it feel like when we...finally... surrender to His Spirit and feel the wind at our backs. Then, we can dance!  Moving with the Spirit instead of fighting against the winds of His direction. 

How does the experience change when we learn to listen for his rustle in the leaves and embrace the new season or direction? The difference is amazing. Surrender leads to empowerment. Crazy love, right? Reciprocal love. God's love. Forever love. 

Today, I am grateful for psithurism (sith' yur is um)...the sound of the wind in the trees and the rustling leaves and the movement of the Spirit through our days.