In My Element

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

When you see a smile like that on my face, you know I’m living my best life right here, right now, in the moment. Jesus’ promise of abundant life, begins right here and now. He wants us to live a rich, full, joyful life, one overflowing with meaningful activities, in fellowship with his people, all the while having His personal favor upon us. What a satisfying life when we are living in the abundance. The abundance of His grace, mercy and love. God even encourages us in Ecclesiastes (3:12-13,7:14) to enjoy our food, drink, and work as a gift from God. When I am in my element/ nature, near the water, under the sun along with a few puffy clouds in the sky, gentle wind blowing through the trees, I feel so close to God. I can sense His presence everywhere, if you could see inside of me, my heart would be one BIG smile. There is just something about being in His presence that makes life good and brings a purposeful feeling to me. Even though as you can well see I’m not even doing anything purposeful, I’m laying on a rock. Oh my gosh! Revelation …He is the ROCK! Whenever I am leaning on Him; the Rock, that is where my peaceful easy feeling comes from. When I am sitting here typing God is speaking to me the entire time. If you know the Father intimately, you will understand what I’m saying, if not it may sound a little crazy to you, but I am being as real and honest as I can be. I’m not relying on materialist things to find my contentment instead I’m just resting in Him, now back to being in my element/nature. I begin thinking things like God created all of this for me. He created the sound of the water flowing downstream over the rocks just for me to hear. The clouds that I’m laying there watching move through the sky and using my imagination seeing a bear, or a rabbit, or whatever it may be, is all for me. In the silence of stillness, He reminds me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He loves me, and cares for me and blesses me more than I can even receive. My cup truly runneth over. I’m living in abundance. I don’t want to sound ungrateful when I say, “I don’t have these same feelings in other places like I do here.” I think maybe it could be the mountains, yes I live in the mountains and the water and wildlife, and all the beauty around me keeps me in a sense of awe reminding me of our Creator’s limitless power, His creativity, He is an artist! I admire the work of an artist. I love photography and I know a woman that is an amazing photographer, I am in absolute awe of her work. But that does not even compare to God’s artistry. He created such a peaceful space for me to feel His presence, away from everywhere else. ABUNDANCE! To Him Be ALL the glory!

Unknown's avatar

Author: Debbie Simmons

I am a Northerner by birth, a Southerner by choice. I moved from Michigan directly after High School to Texas, I currently live in Arkansas. I am married to the man that changed my whole outlook on relationships, together we share 4 children, 12 grandchildren and recently a great-grandchild, as well as many other children we call our own. I have been raising children all my adult life in one form or another, from my own, to fostering, to teaching at school & church and any that were just in need of a mom. l received salvation when I was 12 years old at vacation Bible school with my grandfather who was a Minister. I didn't find out what a Christian was until I was 33, that's when my life began to change. I have been studying the Word of God ever since, but more importantly I have come to know Him. I never had the daddy/daughter relationship with my earthly father, but I certainly do now with my heavenly Father. I can't even tell you how blessed I am to have come to the understanding of who I am because of what He has done. I know I am a sinner saved by grace and grateful for it. I am not where I want to be, but I also know I'm not where I used to be, Praise be to God! Currently I am retired and by the direction of the Holy Spirit I have been given an assignment to write, with great intention. That He, my Father might be glorified.

Leave a comment