Years ago, in the small group of single-girls I led, we made a list of things that stir our affections for Christ. For those unaware of that jargon and what it means, it basically means what things/people/events/etc. increase our love and admiration for God. Below is the preliminary list I came up with; I’ll add to it as I stumble upon new ways to enjoy my Creator, the lover-of-my-soul.
- sharing about God & what He’s doing in my life
- witnessing what God is doing in the life of those around me
- majestic mountains
- fields of wild flowers
- acoustic guitar
- scuba diving/snorkeling
- dancing
- observing communion
- rain on the gutters
- cooking
- praise & worship music/music that praises God
- watching a fire in a fireplace
- serving those people who are less fortunate than me
- accountability
- piano
- silence in everything but my breathing & heartbeat
- corporate/group prayer time
- organizing/cleaning
- time in God’s Word
- smells of apples & cinnamon & citrus
- fellowship with believers/quality time
- witnessing miracles
- laughing so hard I snort
- my husband’s inner peace & sense of purpose
- giving cash to someone on the side of the road
- hearing the wind
- sunshine through a window
- hearing toddlers giggle
- an envelope hand-addressed to me in my mailbox
- kissing my hubs every morning before he leaves and every afternoon when he comes home
- the smell of roses
- dinner at the table
- my eyesight
- fresh, warm laundry
- falling asleep while thinking on the beauty & wonder of the Lord
- my imagination
- fuzzy socks that keep my feet warm on chilly days
- the sound the waves make crashing on the shore
- the smell of fresh baked bread
- inner peace & patience
- purity before marriage
- prayers uttered in desperation
- a roof over my head & four walls around me
- swelling joy that makes you feel like you might just implode
- hugging my family tight
- God’s timing
- cameras to capture meaningful moments
- fully functional limbs
- the ability to read