Happy Feet
This weekend Justin and I made it to the movie theater, and as the previews rolled across the screen, one in particular caught my attention. More maybe as I remember it today than even at that moment: Happy Feet 2.
I have never seen Happy Feet, and likely will not see the second one, but that preview did two things. It made me wish I could have a fuzzy baby penguin of my own (almost as much as I want one of those mini giraffes from the Direct TV commercials), and it made me think of the things in life that really make me happy-all the way down to my toes.
Happy Cells
One of those things which make me very happy, is the sunshine in summer! This year's temperatures are breaking records (and pocket books) as we try to keep cool and stay safe in the incredible temps. But one thing does not change for me, regardless of the 100+ degrees. When the sun kisses my skin, all of my skin cells rejoice, and it's as if I can feel the vitamin D reviving the energy of those cells. Can you relate? It's invigorating, and I find myself at times, craving the warmth and rejuvinating energy from the sun.
How about after sitting for long periods of time at school or work, and then getting up and stretching the muscles in your arms, legs, and torso? Wow! Those muscle cells are jumping around, and thanking you for popping them back to life. It feels so good, and each time it happens, I wonder why I don't do it more often. Very. Happy. Cells.
Happy Heart
Recently, however, I have rediscovered the depth and breadth of the rejuvinating power of spending time in God's word. Not just reading a verse or two, or filling in blanks in a bible study book. But reading. Soaking. Studying the pages of scripture. For some, this is the status quo of your walk right now. You know the invigorating and insatiable draw of God's Word when it opens like a water hose and gushes refreshment and joy into your soul. For others, this is something you've known at various times in your walk with God. Maybe in college. Maybe right after you were saved and were on fire for the Lord. Maybe it was last year, but for some reason the habit is slipping as quickly as the summer months tick away. For me, I am easily intimidated by what I think it will take (time wise, committment wise, etc.) and if I can't do what I think it takes, I put it off, choosing rather to not try than to fail my personal expectation.
But, oh, what energy and excitement there is in knowing God in His Word. Studying whole passages or characters at a time help us to see God's character and learn from His mandates, love, and promises, as well as the mistakes and failings of those who followed Him in His Word. There is a spiritual "happy feet" dance that my heart does when I see His attributes come alive in the pages of the Old and New Testament, and convict and challenge me personally: when I begin to crave the Son.
On one hand, I continue to learn (as all adults say to the next generation), "the more I know the more I realize I don't know." But at the same time, the more you know, the more God turns your heart to desire things of His nature, and the more exciting it is to live as His! Claiming His promises, obeying His mandates, and pursuing His best in each element of each day becomes like sunshine to my skin cells, or the tingling stretch of a muscle.
I hope that today you can say your heart is happy, and that your spiritual cells snap with the joy that is knowing our God in such a personal way. But if not, know that He is not far off, but near. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:8 Make it a priority today, and ask God to give you, happy feet.
