One definition of mindfulness from the Oxford Dictionary is “the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.” I find that many little children are very mindful of their surroundings. To them, the world is a wonder to be enthusiastically explored with much delight. But something seems to happen to us as we mature. Many of us stop being mindful of our environment and our life’s experiences. We lose the joy of being aware of the many tiny miracles that God places before us each day.
The psalmist exclaims, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.” (verse 1 New International Version) If all the earth shouts for joy at the wonders each day, why shouldn’t we? Sometimes we let our busy schedules take over and we neglect to take the time to be mindful of what is around us. I encourage you to try being mindful each day. During your daily activities, take time to pause and savour what is happening around you. What are you hearing, seeing, experiencing that you might have missed had you not slowed down long enough to be mindful? For these things, stop-and with the world, “Shout for joy to the Lord!”
Creator Spirit, open our eyes to the joys around us. Help us to be mindful of daily miracles, that we may give glory to you. Amen. — JW