Taking the Moments of Life and Creating the Big Picture
Suniemi, according to Strongs, means to put together, unite parts into one whole. So I write down the parts and I number them and so far I have 6,277.
I call it a gratitude journal. Those 6,277 thankful moments are creating the scenery of my life. Focusing on each piece being a part of a whole is suniemi. Although I can't see the whole, I know that each moment has it's place, and when placed in the proper perspective, that piece adds beauty to the whole, even if I can't see it right away.
Even if the colors don't seem to match the borders.
Even if the shape doesn't look like it should fit, I keep turning it until there is perfect union.
Sometimes I have to take the reality of those moments that are too hard and painful to write down, the ones where thankfulness doesn't flow easily, and I look at them for what they are, I assess the perspectives: my perspective, others' perspectives and God's perspective. This takes time. Like the four sides a puzzle piece I try to figure out which perspective fits perfectly, I look at each side, feel each side searching for the perspective that creates the proper relationship between my finite view of my life and God's ever evolving masterpiece he is creating through me.
The proper perspective is always God's. If the moment has made it into my book that means I have laid down all others and accepted His as perfect.
The gift of Suniemi: the ability to understand how each moment adds beauty to the whole.
Singling out the experience without putting it in the proper perspective of the big picture could result in tragedy, a downward spiral of bitterness, contempt and anger. Or worse, an inability to see the beauty in the created masterpiece by the Creator.
This summer has been good, but not perfect. The perfectionistic side of me needs to continually be reminded and retaught over and over that nothing is perfect: no day, no summer nor any other season, no person, no trip and no relationship.
I am okay with that.
There is one lesson I don't need over and over: The lesson of GRACE. And with that lesson I build the roots of GRACE deep through thankfulness.
Practicing thankfulness has given me the gift of SUNIEMI.
I don't want to miss the blessings of seeing the pieces fit together.
I don't want you to miss those blessings either. Writing down the good moments full of joy is easy but what about those moments that you could have done without? Don't discard them, hold them a bit longer, assess the perspectives, pray to see the beauty in the moment by feeling the pain then laying down all but God's perspective. Only then will you be able to see the purpose of the piece. Then you, too, shall receive the gift of SUNIEMI.
Blessings!
Love, Rachael
Continuing to count the gifts, to put the pieces together:
- sustaining life for my pastor as he awaits surgery
-to be fully on vacation at home
-my mom's generosity
-to arrive in NY after a long day of waiting in the Phili airport
-time with Aunt Esther
-a summer cabin on Lake Ontario
-time with my dad
-a clear day for our Niagara Falls adventure
-that my son didn't get a head injury
-that he will heal and be restored completely
-for Cole, and to be with him to celebrate his birthday
-for pizza and wings NY style
-for so many picture memories
-being back in my bed, in familiar arms in warm weather
-rest for Adam
-that my mom is getting the care she needs while in the hospital
-that He listens to the cry of my heart
-plans made for a fun-filled two days
-a friend to share them with
-fresh flowers from the farmers market
-for a pastor diligent to inform parents of unfortunate events
-dinner with an ocean view
-24 hours to myself
-the smell of rain
-long hugs
-when Christ takes anxious thoughts captive
-an afternoon nap
Just a few grace moments I am thankful for, each a piece of the puzzle,
each a Gift of Suniemi.