Do you ever feel the desperate need for a little perspective in life? Busyness, work, kids, family, church, relationships—they all require our undivided attention and sometimes we need reminding WHO we are and WHY we are here! We spin plates and juggle responsibilities like a manic circus performer and feel like we are the glue; we are the Big Cheese in our little world. But you guys—it’s okay to feel small…
After a rather hectic summer, Lyndon and I finally managed to get away for a week. We jumped into my little Beetle (Miss Daisy) and took her on her first major road trip to Florence in the stunning Oregon Coast. The 2500km round trip was more than I could have imagined, and filled us both up—and not just with outrageously good seafood!
I think I needed reminding of my smallness and God’s bigness.
“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?” Isaiah 40:12
The vast expanses of sand stretching for miles and the powerful waves crashing against gigantic boulders—oh boy, utterly exhilarating and awe-inspiring. It was also somewhat humbling to think of my tiny self as a part of God’s creation.
Who am I? Yeah I’m literally small (5’2” on a good day) but there are times when I need to feel that smallness, that humanness in relation to the grandeur of the Almighty. It reminds me how incredibly blessed I am to be loved by the Creator. It shows me the magnitude of God’s love—and then when I remember that He saw me before I was even born (Psalm 139) and He considers sinful me worthy of the sacrifice of His Son… and I get major chills. Amazing grace.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1a
My very best childhood memories were at the beach. I was born and bred on the south coast of England and the beach was, and still is, my carefree, happy place. I don’t recall ever being stressed, scared, or insecure at the beach—I guess that plays a part in why I ground myself there even today. Maybe you have a special place, too, somewhere God distinctly whispers, “You are loved, you are my child”…
“I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?” Psalm 8:3-4 (The Message)
It truly is humbling. Those everyday plates we were juggling before with such intensity and anxiety—they become just plates. Important, but not ultimate. Suddenly, God is ultimate and we realize why we are here—to worship and glorify Him. It feels right and natural and beautiful.
Rather than being overwhelmed by our circumstances, let’s be overwhelmed by the love of our magnificent Heavenly Father.
Friend, I challenge you to find a lake or forest or ocean or mountain or some glorious speck of creation where you can appreciate God’s bigness and His love for you.
And I’m going to revel in my smallness! 🙂
*Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
I love the space you inspire that we create with God. Thanks for sharing.
Mary, thanks so much for stopping by with your encouraging words 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post—blessings to you!
So refreshing to be reminded of this today! Love feeling small next to the greatness of our God! I can almost breathe in the salty air from your pics:) Thanks for this perspective Laura!
Thanks, Gretchen, I’m glad you and I are on the same wavelength 🙂 And I can never get enough ocean air! Blessings to you!
The beach is my favorite place to be! So glad you were able to connect with God in the middle of the wonder and majesty of the coast. Your neighbor at #searchingformoments
Thanks for stopping by, Angela! Love that you are a beach girl, too… such a great place to take in the beauty of creation 🙂 Blessings to you!
Much needed words, Laura. You have no idea how this made me feel better. Thank you!
Aww thanks, Lux, that’s so great! Really appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment—blessings to you!
Laura, this was exactly what I needed today! As we are preparing for a hurricane, cancelling a long overdue anniversary vacation, etc. I needed reminded…Rather than being overwhelmed by our circumstances, let’s be overwhelmed by the love of our magnificent Heavenly Father.
Oh Crystal—sounds like you are going through it all! I’ve never experienced one, but I’m guessing hurricanes would make you feel pretty small— so thankful that God is bigger and that He IS in control! Stay safe, friend, and I hope you get to reschedule that vacation. Take care x
The ocean and the mountains are my two favorite God places! But, I think if I had to choose, it would be the beach! His grandeur is humbling, isn’t it?!!! Blessings, Laura, and thanks for sharing this hope-stirring inspiration at #MomentsofHope!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Ah yes, another beach-lover! I find it SO humbling. The ocean, the sunsets, the whole thing— God is The Master Artist! Blessings to you, friend! 🙂