Many of you might know that I attended the Theology of the Body Institute's first course last week. It was equal parts moving, soul-searching, informative, heart-rending and faith-strengthening. It was an experience I won't ever forget. I look forward to the days and weeks to come as I unpackage all my materials and notes.
One of the things our instructor said early on in the week was about a song from my all-time favorite musical. Yep - you guessed it - Jesus Christ Superstar! Haha - just kidding. If you know me at all, you know it is The Sound of Music. His children had recently performed in the musical, and many themes from it were fresh in his mind. And at the top of his list was the song "My Favorite Things". He began singing a few bars and asked us to join in if we knew the words (ummm. . .I know the words). Maria sings the song to remind herself and the children to think of their favorite things when they are afraid (or when the dog bites or the bee stings).
Our instructor took this song a step further, and reminded us that God knows all our favorite things. He knows our favorite things sometimes before we know them. And even better, God sings the song of our favorite things to us all the time. Our lives are filled with the music of God singing to us those things which move us and shape us and bring us joy. That admiration of the majestic mountains? God singing to us. Overcome with the vast beauty of the ocean? God singing to us. A bunny hopping across the neighbor's yard while on a walk? God singing to us - what? Does he only sing that verse to me? Surely I'm not alone in that one.
The thought of God knowing me. . .little me, in an enormous universe. . .and caring to put in front of me all of my favorite things truly brought tears to my eyes. Here I am, living my (small) life, and the God of the universe is loving me enough to give me joy. He knows my heart and chooses to love me anyway. His love and forgiveness are vast.
So - here are a few of my favorite things. What joy I derive in them! And what joy to know that God knows even more of my favorite things, and has plans to reveal them to me in the future.
My children's faces
Bunnies hopping across the yard in spring
Clean, crisp sheets
Sweet romance movies (think Anne of Green Gables)
Peanut butter in all manner of preparation
Worshiping with my church family
My home
Laughing with my children
Potato Chips
My sweet students
Taking a walk with my husband
Singing beautiful choral music
80s music
Musicals
A good book
Coke Zero
The ocean and Lake Michigan
Shadow's euphoria at my arrival home
Big family celebrations
Oh dear reader. . .the list could go on and on -- and I don't even know everything that goes on this list! But God does. He knows my heart and loves me so much that He sings this song to me every day.
What is God singing to you, my friends?
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