Anthem of a Man's Soul

As I sit here in my office writing this tonight, I am pondering. I am pondering nothing in particular, just thinking about today. Then I think about the last several days, the last several weeks, the last year, etcetera. I am trying to focus my attention on significant things, but I am so distracted. I am so blessed and yet, I forget to pause and express gratitude. It’s as though I am running to who knows what for who knows why. I know all the reasons why I need to stop and reflect, but I can’t seem to actually do it.


The famous country poet, George Strait put it this way. . .

I've been to church, I've read the book.
I know He's here, but I don't look.

Near as often as I should.

Yea, I know I should.

What would happen if I just called a halt to all the personal madness and took a moment to listen? I’ve been camping and hiking all by myself. No one is around. It is just me and the earth. The only sounds are the wild sounds of nature. It is a mystical time of listening to that, which so desperately tries to be heard, but is overtaken by the persistent noise of progress. At that moment, all I can hear is the rush of wind through the evergreens, the babble of water in the stream, birds in song, insects buzzing and distant sounds of nature in a chorus of praise. Together it is a mighty anthem to a Creator so powerful and yet, so intimate with each and every being. And then, I hear the gentle beating of my heart. I am quieted to a place of reverence. I am in awestruck wonder. The balladeer continues. . .

His finger prints are everywhere.
I just slowed down to stop and stare.
Opened my eyes, and man, I swear.
I saw God today.

I want more of that kind of existence. The kind where I cherish the moments I have been given. I want to stop, look, listen and see! I want to speak less and hear more. I want to hold onto less and give more; grumble less and love more; rush less and see more. Most of all I want to gather less and be more. Yes, I want to be so, so much more.

Toward a better tomorrow,

Russ