Take a deep breath

I've been breathing for the last couple weeks, but it feels like it's been a while since I've taken a deep breath. Go ahead, try it.

Breathe in. Fill your lungs to capacity. Then, slowly let it all out. 'Til you feel almost caved in.

Do it again.

How do you feel?

We can survive for a long time with shallow breaths. But, when we breathe in deep, our bodies get all the oxygen they need to thrive!

I'm usually a shallow breather. Especially when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I'm not just talking about my lungs, though.

In the past few weeks... months, really, I've had so much going on, that I've just been focusing on getting it finished. Rarely have I taken the time to call an old friend just to catch up. Or go for a walk just to enjoy God's nature. Or do something really nice and unexpected for someone. I'm missing those deep breaths that will give me renewed strength, and realign my perspective.

I've been a shallow spiritual breather, too. I've been reading my Bible. And, I have a Bible study every week, where I'll take a deeper breath. But most of the time, I'm just getting enough oxygen to keep from falling flat. I'll survive for quite some time this way, but eventually, I will fall flat. And, if I keep this up, I can never thrive!

So, my challenge to myself today, and you too, if you'll join me, is to breathe deeply. Physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.