"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."
When I read that quote a few weeks ago, I immediately put it as my gtalk status. What a great quote! I thought... I love those moments when my breath is just stolen by joy and happiness.
But two days ago, that quote took on a whole new meaning as my breath was taken away in a not-so-fun-or-cool way. We all have experienced that feeling in one way or another...
It was a car accident.
The cancer is spreading.
She died in combat.
We found him in his house.
Those moments when it's all you can do to go on with your life... the moments that take your breath away.
For me, I wanted to curl into a ball and pretend nothing had happened. But then I remembered that quote. Life is measured by the number of moments that take our breath away. This is life! I was blessed with another one of those moments that marks the passing of time. Another situation for God's goodness and grace to be shown to me and my family.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 emphasis added (NIV 2011)
The afterlife of shocking news often molds and changes us in a greater way than even the happiest of moments. If we allow Him to work, these experiences will not break us, but will bring us to a new level of intimacy with our Savior.
Searching for joy, even in these breathless situations...