From here on, worshiping the Father will not be a matter of the right place but with the right heart. For God is a Spirit,^[a] and he longs to have sincere worshipers who worship and adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.” 

John 4:24 Passion Translation

“I’m going back to sit with Grandma Julie, OK, mom?”

I nodded yes as our worship service began. It took a while, but the songs began to wash away the dregs of the week. I closed my eyes, wanting to shut out the distractions. I put my worries and concerns on the back burner of my brain.  Then, I opened my heart, wanting to focus on the love and grace that was flowing palpably from the music.

Fourth song in was David Crowders- “How He Loves”

The wonder of God’s absolute, jealous, fierce, overwhelming love!

The next day, Bethany and I were running errands and she piped up, “Mommy, remember yesterday when we sang that song at church? Oh how He loves us?”

“Sure. I love that song.”

“Mommy, I closed my eyes and I raised both my hands. I started crying.”

“Oh, babe. Why were you crying?”

“Because God is so beautiful.  He is amazing. I felt how much God loves me! He loves me so much mom. I felt Him. I couldn’t quit crying.” (She’s getting emotional and tearing up as she’s trying to explain.)

Bethany worships- This was snapped at Youth Group- not on Sunday morning- Thanks Amy for capturing this precious moment.

I marveled

Me, myself, and I: Overwhelmed. Complex. Self-aware. Distracted.

Bethany: Simple. Uncomplicated. Guileless. Uncluttered.

I’ve wondered over the past 17 years- why does God allow intellectual disabilities?

[Tweet “I don’t understand fully, but I know whatever God allows in this life, is for a divine #purpose.”]

I wonder; maybe one purpose is to allow “me” to daily observe the beauty of an uncluttered, uncomplicated, simpler life.  Bethany’s life seems to effortlessly accept God’s love for her! She reads her Bible and believes the truth without theological arguments.  God loves her.  She loves Him. He says to love others – and she does. Maybe my brain gets in my way sometimes.  I reflect often; the simple, uncluttered life is the one where God’s Spirit can move the most freely- abundantly- powerfully.

[Tweet “Coming to know the fullness of God’s love for us is the prime directive of this present life.”]

Live Simply. Be Loved.

Surprising Treasures:  Matthew 18:3 “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.