How does one feel so small yet so important at the same time?
This world is full of sights and sounds, many of which we will experience. Let’s look at the 5 senses:
Seeing: we will see the highest mountains, the deepest valleys, never-ending fields, deep blue oceans, rushing rivers, multicolored forests, skies of all sorts, bright smiles, wild dances, unique animals, expansive traditions from each culture, people of every way we can think of.
Hearing: we will hear joyous laughter, worshipful singing, whaling that will break your heart, shouts of joy, muffled sobs, eager footsteps, music filled with culture, car horns of every pitch, sermons from hundreds of souls, wisdom from those who have lived more life.
Smelling: we will smell sweet flowers, the heavy thickness of an anticipated rainstorm, sour hints of garbage and decay, savory foods cooking, fragrant spices, sweet whiffs of baked goods, the tart ocean breeze, local coffee brewing in the morning, the whirlwind of scents from markets everywhere we go.
Tasting: we will taste spicy foods that will clear our sinuses, candies that’ll remind us of home, salty tears, the vastness of His world, crunchy native insects, sweet and juicy fruits, lots of peanut butter sandwiches, rich meals from all over the world, refreshing teas and coffees, and mouthful after mouthful of white rice.
Touching: we will touch the ground of many nations, the physical people who live there, the hearts of those we will interact with, swift breezes and winds of change, blood sweat and tears developed from hardship, distinct instruments we’ve never seen before, cloth and clothing unique to each culture, multitudes of sports equipment, page after page of our Bibles, the hands and feet of joyful children everywhere.
If you skimmed over anything written above, I want you to go back to it. These are only a few things we are able to see, hear, smell, taste and touch in our lives. When God created this Earth, He knit ALLLLLL of these things together to be experienced. To be lived.
Doesn’t that make you feel kinda small?
The fact that our Father created ALL of these details… He even created the stars to WORSHIP HIM!! In Isaiah 40 verse 26, it says “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”
Everything the Father has created is accounted for. He knows each star by name. He knows every mountain’s height. He has a palette filled with colors we’ve never seen, specifically for sunsets.
–>With all of that said, I feel on top of the world. I don’t feel small, and I don’t feel huge. I feel~ me. I am His and I am so excited about that. I know WHO I am and WHOSE I am so confidently.<–
He wanted to create all of these crazy awesome parts of life, AND He created me. He created you. He didn’t have to do that, but hey, here we are!!
…YOU & I get to live this life filled with a multitude of blessings. We have the pleasure of experiencing what He’s created, as His creation.
Have you ever thought about life in that way? That you have the privilege of living it and praising Him in every step?! We get to experience His beautiful creation along the way, while BEING His beautiful creation. And that right there is why I am so beyond excited for the World Race. How. Cool. Is. THAT!!!!!
This may be yesterday’s news to some of you, but for me this has been a new and incredible way of looking at every day. What a gracious blessing I’ve been given to live it and love who I am, and in such a spontaneously Jesus-filled way.
I’d like to encourage each of you to wake up each morning and acknowledge every step of life. Every breath, sip, taste, dance, scent, hug; every moment you see is small. Now find Him in it. Praise Him not only for the action itself, but for the fact that you are on this earth to experience it WITH HIM. Something I would love to hear from you if you’ve read this are your favorite subtleties the Lord has planted into life. Share your favorite sights, sounds, scents, tastes and feels in the comments, I can’t wait to see Him praised in each of these!
I love you all, and I pray you see how He loves you even more.
Here are some photos of some of my favorite subtleties via the 5 senses!
Seeing: I love seeing His beautiful skies. It’s a wonderful way He shows me how beautifully He loves me. Pictured here is a sunset from the ferris wheel on Navy Pier in Chicago.
Hearing: Laughter attracts me. Everyone has their own unique laugh, something I believe God had a lot of fun creating. Pictured here is Nicholas and I cracking up about who knows what… just the way I like it.
Smelling: I. Love. Good. Smells. If ‘scents’ were a love language, I would probably have it in my top 3. Pictured here is my favorite candle. Nuff said.
Tasting: Coffee is always a nice and warm taste to me, but drinking it with friends makes it even better. Pictured here is Harper and I having coffee in Swaziland in summer 2016.
Touching: I’m a pretty touchy person. Thankfully physical touch actually IS a love language, because it is in my top 3 hahah. I ADORE hugs and give them any chance I get. Pictured here is my mum and I hugging right after I graduated High School.
Here’s some great music!!
“So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong United
“Do It Again” by Elevation Worship
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
Bernadette, you amaze me at how you look at life through God’s eyes. I am sitting here and thinking about the beautiful things that I have seen or experienced in my life. Thank you for making me spend the time to ‘ stop and smell the roses.’ Love you lots and lots!!!!!
Mama
Okay 1. You rock and this was super good. Your visuals were awesome and I could picture all of these things so well. And 2. Your song choices are FIRE because So Will I and September are (not even kidding) 2 of my favorite songs right now. Ugh Bern you bless my socks off
Bernadette, this is the BEST!!! Love your voice! Can’t wait to hear more of what the Lord is teaching you!!!
Sweet friend, I am so excited for this journey Jesus is taking you on. (And I’m glad to hear you’re excited too…that you aren’t scheming your way out of this like on the plane to Joburg). He’s gonna do big things with you, and for you. Receive everything as a gift because it truly is. He’s good and faithful. Ohio will be here rooting for ya the whole way. Much love. (Don’t worry, I’ll eat plenty of HOB for ya). p.s. Pls send Bhuti *click* pics of your poop art skills.
Thank you for such a profound and encouraging post!! I loved your pictures and thoughts about each one. To read your appreciation for life and God’s blessings at such a young age makes my heart happy. It takes some people years to understand this and some never do. So people like you sharing His love is such a wonderful thing! Let’s see… my favorite subtleties…. love God’s paintings in our skies, love the beautiful mountain views on my morning walks with my dog, love dog kisses and tail wags, love the smell of cinnamon, love hugs, and love holding hands with my husband. All of these things given to me to enjoy by our awesome God! 🙂
Such beautiful words and beautiful pictures! You have the gift of encouragement through your writing. It always inspires me and lifts me up! One of my favorite subtleties from God is when I see the sunlight streaming down through the clouds. It always makes me feel like God is reaching down to give me a hug! ??
Thank you so much for your beautiful words. I could sense, feel, taste, hear and enjoy each of your Godly descriptions. I am so excited for your journey with God. Praying for you and the World Race team daily. Hugs!
Oh my goodness what a COMMENT. I am so glad this was enjoyable to read and even happier you’re in my life. You bless my socks right on (with my birks of course). CAN’T WAIT TO JAM WITH YOU :))
I am so thankful to have you in my life, I can’t wait to LIVE life with you!!!!!
Mama, I am so glad this blog was able to take you to that reflective place! Thank you for reading what I write and supporting me!! Love you!!!!
Hahahah oh Jacque, you never fail to make me smile. I am so excited to hear all that Jesus is doing in your life, please keep me updated! I love hearing your sweet praise to the Father… you definitely do NOT have poop art skills. I do appreciate the pad thai promise, very much so. LOVE YOU.
I am still learning, that’s for sure!! I am so excited to see all The Father has to offer, from different standpoints on this Earth. Thank you so much for sharing your favorites, I LOVE hearing these!! It’s so encouraging and eye opening to hear! 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words!! Oh my goodness that’s such a wonderful visual… thank you for sharing that! I love it!!!
This is so encouraging for me to hear, Mrs. Whaley! I am so excited to live life with these girls. Thank you so much for your love and support along the way!!
Wow Sweetie, I am amazed and so touched by your words! You encourage and love so well! The ‘eyes to see, ears to hear, and heart to understand’ that the Lord has given you are amazing! Thank you for the encouragement to enjoy God’s beautiful, abundant blessings! I love seeing YOU, and His beautiful skies, mountains, season’s colors, nature, as well as people’s smiles & eyes (they say so much). I love hearing YOU, and laughter, beautiful voices, nature, little children, tender words, as well as the desires of a momma’s heart. I love smelling candles & lotions, nature, good cooking, spices, anything fresh baked, and the sweetness of little babies. I love tasting good food, desserts, breads & pastries, candies, hot chocolate, as well as tears. I love touching YOU with lots of hugs, and textures, nature, puppies, as well as the hearts, hands & hugs of others. Thank you Sweetie for your beautiful message… and for encourage us to take this time! I am so grateful for YOU and all of God’s blessings! Shine on for HIM, pretty girl!! Love you lots! Mum xoxoxox
Hi Bernadette, Truly inspiring! You writing is a gift and I can’t wait to see the Race through your eyes and heart! Do It Again is my favorite worship song right now. I have a Spotify list of 4 songs and 2 of the 4 are Do It Again:) God’s creation gives me the most joy. I have so many pictures of sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, beaches, mountains… I can’t get enough. May the LORD expand your senses in beautiful ways over the next year. We care about you and pare praying for you. Can’t wait to see you in Romania in October!!!
September?? Hahaha! Too funny! It’s one of my favorite songs! May God continue to bless your travels and your mission!
Thank you SO much for taking the time to read my blog and pour into my life!!! You two are following your calling so beautifully, I love hearing what you have to say. Thank you for your kind words and love always!!
It’s such a great song!! Hahah thank you for your love and support!
Your comments are the BEST!!!! I love reading all you have to say and love how you love me so so well!! Thank you for sharing your heart and love with me always, HUGS TO YOU! I LOVE YOU MUM! 🙂 xoxoxo