I opened the dashboard for this blog this morning wanting to write a new post. I’ve taken a break from writing, for the most part, since Thanksgiving. I needed the breather. While we are ten days into the new year, it is yet the new year, so I say with you, “Welcome to 2025!”
As I looked over my dashboard (the interior of my WordPress blog), I found that two readers recently had pulled up a very old post of mine dated January 17, 2012. (This blog was birthed in November of 2011.) At that time this blog was part of my ministry as the curriculum director for Troy Christian Schools in Troy, Ohio, although I was living in Arizona. My articles were short then because they were written mainly for parents of our students, and I posted more often.
The following is my January 2012 post which I find to still be relevant, as well as gentle and refreshing. It is short.
Let our work inhabit our prayer. Let our prayer inhabit our work.
.
Take a read:
The Breath of a Vapor
Every year goes so fast. We’re already well into January! Scripture tells us that our lives are like a vapor (James 4:14), so isn’t it interesting that we honestly act surprised at experiencing what we already know is true? This demonstrates two levels of knowing. Why does it take life experience to know the truth? Where does humble, inexperienced (child-like) faith come in? Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). Yet, faith also grows through experience (Hebrews 11).
The vapor speed of life stirs up stress and anxiety. I’m experiencing that right now. Are you? How do I grow in Christ and His character when my heart won’t settle down? For you, dear parent, how do you grow in Christ and His character when from the moment your feet hit the floor until your body folds under those sheets again late that night, you are simply answering the call of the immediate: cries for clean clothes, no time for a decent breakfast, where are those keys?, while driving to work thoughts of that difficult person you’ll have to face this morning nag your mind, and, oh, Joey’s game tonight conflicts with a deacon’s meeting!
I’ve written myself into a corner. I do not have answers for you. But God does in His Word. When we share those words with each other, sometimes they come across as clichés. However, most clichés become clichés because there’s some truth we need to heed at their center. Often our irritation simply exposes our pride voicing its indignation. It’s time to yield. And there’s peace in yielding.
God’s answer to our anxiety over the speed of our lives is for us to choose little moments to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Try one minute stops several times a day, taking a deep breath and turning your heart’s eye to the LORD, saying, “You are God; I am not. I’m leaning on You, not myself.” In that moment, yield, lean in, and rest. With a smile, thank Jesus for that moment. Then carry on.
From the first bright light of morning,
To the last warm glow of dusk;
Every breath we take is sacred,
For it is God’s gift to us.*
How are you doing?
Karen
*Hymn text by Claire Cloninger.
Thirteen vaporous years have past since I wrote the above. Hmm. So much has happened, but the Psalm 46:10 stands true, wise, and strong, along with all of God’s Word.
Isaiah explained, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our Lord stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
Jesus claimed, “Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
Paul clarified, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable… (2 Timothy 3:16).
“The LORD God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7).
It’s interesting that I named the above post “The Breath of a Vapor.” A vapor is a breath. Abel’s name is “Hebel” which means breath or vapor (which summarizes the length of his earthly life). The Hebrew word often translated “vanity” or “meaninglessness” in the book of Ecclesiastes is that word, “hebel,” meaning breath or vapor. Through Abel’s puzzlingly short life and through the meaningfulness (not meaninglessness) of each breath as explained in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, we learn the sacredness of each breath. Truly, God’s gift.
I explore the meaning of breath/vapor/hebel in my recently published book, A Traveler’s Guide through Suffering and Joy. (Note chapter 3, ” How Do I Make Sense of the Senseless?” and chapter 9, “How Does My Tomorrow Change My Today?”.)
Let’s close today’s thoughts by re-reading Claire Cloninger’s uplifting words:
From the first bright light of morning,
To the last warm glow of dusk;
Every breath we take is sacred,
For it is God’s gift to us.
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Karen, Thanks for the reminder that every breath is a gift from our Heavenly Father. Taking a moment or two throughout the day to breathe in a few words to Him/for Him/just being still and knowing that He is God is simple and doable in our busy lives. Blessings, Dear Friend — Shirley
Thank you, Shirley!
Thanks for this inspirational post! Wishing you a peace and blessings throughout 2025!
Many blessings from the Lord to you!
Thank you for being an inspiration to so many, Karen!! God’s gifts surround us from dusk till dawn we sometimes have to be reminded how our precious time is spent it’s so sacred ♥️ much love, Annette
Thank you Karen. This is just what I needed this morning.