This evening we had the delight and blessing of attending another amazing concert presented by the Florida Orchestra. Peter Rosel played the Concerto No. 1 for Piano and Orchestra in g minor, Op. 25 (1830) by Felix Mendelssohn. At one point in the second movement, my spouse, Jeff, and I just turned to each other laughing. This man’s playing was so incredible that we were overcome with joy and delight. So many notes played so quickly and precisely. It was otherworldly. We just had to laugh.
I am thinking about what it would be like if I paid more attention to life around me. If I really noticed things. If I looked at the natural world that surrounds us. I think I would see more of God. At the concert, I am focused. My attention is on the music. And it brings such joy. I think if I brought this same level of attention to life, I would see the wonder. I would be aware of the amazing stories of the lives around me. And I would be filled with delight and joy. I would notice the amazing performances in the concert of life that are happening all the time. I would see and hear the incredible performance that nature is constantly presenting. And I would experience so much more JOY.
It is easy to get busy, to be distracted, to get absorbed in garbage, and miss the great performance that God is providing each and every moment. Enjoy all that life has to offer. Look for the great performances. Take joy!
Prayer: Each and every day is a gift. Amazing things go on. May we make more of an effort to appreciate what we have been given on this awesome journey! May we be wary of the messages and distractions that would prevent us from appreciating the beauty of life. May we receive the joy that God is constantly and consistently providing for us. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 