Tuesday, December 18, 2012

"Breath of Heaven"...and breathing...


It’s not the greatest feeling.  Waking up and struggling to breathe is not the kind of moment anyone enjoys.  For over ten years, my journey has included dealing with asthma.  Most of the time, it is manageable.  Some days…are a bit more challenging.  Today is one of them.  I do not enjoy shortness of breath.  I am not fond of feeling like concrete blocks are sitting on my lungs.  I cannot go anywhere with medication to open my airways in case an asthma attack strikes.  But I can choose my attitude about it!

I admit…sometimes it gets very frustrating…even frightening…to not know if I can breathe the next breath.  My family and I are very familiar with the “medication luggage” I must take with me anytime we travel.  And it is not a small effort to make sure I have all the medications I need “just in case.”  But I can choose my perception about the situation.

It is no coincidence that one of my favorite Christmas songs is “Breath of Heaven.”  Ever since I heard that song the very first time, my heart is moved when I hear its message.  From the perspective of Mary, the mother of Jesus, the song reminds us of her humility, willingness, surrender and acceptance of God’s plan for her life.  I am sure that she never expected this role.  I am sure she never imagined she would conceive, carry, deliver, raise and love the Son of God…as His Mother.  What an honor!  What a privilege!  What a call from God, Himself.  And yet, I am sure that calling was not always easy.  I am sure there were many moments she didn’t understand the hows, whys, whats and whens in following God’s plan for her life.  But she followed Him…in the middle of great joy, horrendous heartache, major responsibility and tremendous trust.

So when my life presents its challenges…outwardly, inwardly or unexpectantly…I know I am not alone.  The same God who has healed the sick, raised the dead, holds the brokenhearted, created the entire universe…and placed His Son in the life and body of a young lady named Mary…has a plan for my life.  It won’t always be easy.  It will always be worth it. 

And my asthma?  I can think of no other One to turn to than the Breath of Heaven, Himself.  He gave me life.  He will hold me through this journey…including the struggles to breathe.  After all, breathing one moment without His presence isn’t possible anyway….on any level.  ~thl

 

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