Just breathe....

So tomorrow starts my cardio and strength training with my friend Duane and his wife Connie. He is one of my small group members that is encouraging me. Duane is 50 something, but is one of the most physically fit 50 somethings I've every met! Not just that, he is wise and encouraging and I've given him permission to push me. I know I'll be frustrated at where I've gotten to, but since Duane is a pastor, I'll be cautious not to curse at him too much! Oops I'm one too...note to self...do not cuss...do not cuss...

So last night I was sharing with a few close friends that I have been feeling dry in my season with God. Not really feeling like I'm hearing his voice or feeling his presence in a way that I've become accustom to. It's like when you are best friends with someone and they suddenly stop coming around or talking to you.

Now I've been in the game long enough to know it is not about "feelings" and that God sometimes retreats so that we lean in more to him. He loves to play a bit of divine hide and seek with us. So last night as one of my friends prayed for me, she said she heard the phrase "just breathe". It felt significant to me, but wasn't really sure why. So today as I carved time out of my schedule to just spend time in worship, to my delight He spoke.

Just breathe, Karin. As you do, with each breath you inhale, you are inhaling my Holy Spirit . When you exhale each breath, you are exhaling my spirit to those around you. As you breathe know that I am in you, around you, moving you forward even when you don't realize it.

It is comforting to me that God is continuing to grow me, strengthen me, comfort me, guide me even when I am not aware of his presence. He is way more invested in my growth to be more like his son, Jesus, than I am.

So as an encouragement...if you feel God far away today, just breathe.....