The word "savor"(v.) is defined as "to delight in, enjoy or appreciate completely, esp. by dwelling on it". Savoring is something that humans have long forgotten and lost appreciation for. How often do we sit outside and look around just for the sake of looking around? At the same time, savoring is an art that we are dying to restore. My favorite park on this earth is located about twenty minutes away from my dorm room. The first time I came to the park was during the fall. I went with some of my closest friends who were here for the weekend. The leaves were orange and bright red, coating the ground. There were waterfalls, big and small, that were interwoven throughout the rocky hike across the water and downstream. It was probably 7:00 AM and no other people were there but us. This simple park not only drew and draws me back to my love for the outdoors, but the Holy Spirit. This was the time of year when the temperature started dropping (which I love), and the leaves were only beginning to fall. Mornings like these became quiet, even though I was with some really loud people. There was clarity. The Holy Spirit prompted me to continuously savor. That word itself causes the heart to slow down. It provokes the soul to stop, breathe, and look. By looking and listening one is coming to the King. I see friends laughing, love being given and received, and a group of crazy, hysterical, goofy teenagers meditating on creation. A holy, eternal moment. A moment I will never have again. This makes the heart expand. Your soul overflows with genuine delight. You know that you're delighted in. Your eyes are opened, and you're overwhelmed with the Spirit's simplicity. Something so simple changes people. The simplicity of it all may seem to have no meaning but to me it is life, abundantly. This abundant flow of blessing and eye-opening truth and joy is directly from the Father and right in front of us. The privilege of the air in our lungs and life in our soul is to be received with thanks and praise. Standing still and taking it in is the first and last step before Jesus overcomes us and establishes a newness in our hearts. Ask Him to come make space, in the stillness. In Job 37, God says, "Hear this Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God". In my opinion, Job was not someone that had the time to "stop and consider". His life was a testament to trails. Emotionally alone, tormented and angry, Job was asked to stop and consider. His livelihood and property were destroyed, his family is killed, and he suffered bodily affliction.
In the chaos of storms, we drift away. One knows that God is ultimately good, but when we see it, it becomes clear. We feel Him all around in the quiet, in the re-arranged atmosphere of peace. How beautiful and fulfilling it is when we see it come full circle. It is up to us to ask Him to make room for Himself in every part of our hearts. Jesus, please don't let me waste my life with empty busyness and clutter. Help me to make room for peace, stillness, laughter, and energy. Help me to live You out.
