what can’t you live without?

Have you ever been asked “What is the one thing you wouldn’t give up in your daily routine?”

I’ve decided the question isn’t fair. Or rather the implied depth of it isn’t fair. It doesn’t allow for a complete answer. Or maybe I sense my answer will be misunderstood and therefore it’s of unfair design.

“Looking to God” is the one non-negotiable of my daily. Hear me out. When you read my answer what did you first think? Morning devotional time? Kneeling for bedside prayers? Blessings before eating a meal? Now that you have that fresh in your mind listen on and see if you find the same conclusion as I have.

What do all these examples have in common? They all involve me showing up. Me initiating connection. Me providing space and availability. They just don’t show the whole picture… really aren't giving God all the credit. It’s not just about what I do. You see… God isn’t just at my desk in the morning inside my Bible and my prayers.

He is beside me when I’m making a difficult decision.

He’s encouraging me and cheering me on when I’m failing.

His goodness and love are in nature and the plants I grow.

He’s in my pets —I see his love and attention to detail and devotion in them.

He’s in my friends — the ones who know he’s there that allow his work through them but also in those that don’t know he’s there yet. His act of pursuing us is evident.

I feel his gift of healing through nature and how/when man utilizes his intricacies in plants and science to create supplements and recipes and cultivate clean gardens for nutrient rich foods.

I feel his presence in both the impressive and the quiet-calm entrance nature can make.

I hear him through speakers and ministers — his apostles of our time and of past. Just as with nature — those who allow God to use and teach them to spread his healing … but spiritually, emotionally and communally this time.

I know him when I look back and see where he carried me.

I know him when I pause and listen and like a child give him all the things that hurt me and/or I cherish.

I know him when I see he is the most consistent space and truth in my life.

I know and trust him when what I’ve given to him is cared for.

I believe him when he says he’s coming back because he showed up for me in all these other ways. 

The opening question isn’t fair because God isn’t one thing. He is all aspects of life. In the choices we make. In the people we keep close and even those we encounter. In movement. In rest. In nature. In play. In pause. In creativity. In voice - song & spoken. In health, healing and managing sickness, loss & pain. Even in career and vocation. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5). God designed in us the exact details he wanted us to have and knew we would need — creativity - gifts & talents - dreams - HIS worth — all as a reflection of being created in his image!

So even when I don’t sit at my desk to read the Bible or pray when I’m “supposed to”… I still have him with me all through the day. God is perfect and when we, his child&creation, shows the slightest possibility of even mindlessly thinking to doubt about him HE doesn’t let any opportunity fall away or pass by to be there for us.

God knows us!

God is in us. When we give him access he becomes a part of our entire day and being. Not a guest in the guest house. He’s sleeping on my couch right in the middle of my chaos and the best part about that is he wants to be there.

God is a jealous God. He is jealous for us. He wants our focus back whenever we get distracted or discouraged. He wants us for eternity.

So, yes with God in my day I have a day completely connected to him even when I feel off, like a disappointment or sad. Maybe the question is fair to me but not so much to others that haven’t asked God into their lives yet.?! They might answer with a one-sided response, an item or action. I get to answer with an answer that really encapsulates everything of who I am and aim to be.

So what is the one thing I wouldn’t miss out on doing each day? Allowing God to be the influence, guidance, truth, happiness, healing, fun, grace and lead in my being.

If the whole day and everything I am is his then NOTHING goes.

Really puts into spoken reality that the goodness in life is truly God given.

I’d love to hear your experiences with God. I don’t have all answers but I do know that a community built around God is a strong community.

Blessings my friends.

—Kimberly