I woke up in the middle of the night and looked out the window to see fluffy, fat snowflakes gently falling.  Instantly, my heart was happy.  The miracle of snow and changing weather in general, creates an awe in me that takes me back to child-like wonder.  Autumn leaves call out to me to kick and crunch; fruit trees bursting into bloom in the spring create an incredible backdrop for the promise of warmer days to come; unexpected snowfall brings an instant smile to both my face and my heart.

No matter how many decades we’ve lived, maintaining the innocent wonder of a child is a precious gift.  It’s easy to slip into callousness after just a few minutes on the internet or listening to the news.  Adulting is tough and can wear on the strongest, grounded person.  Living with a faith-based perspective balances the bombardment of negativity.  I face each day with the words of different Bible verses guiding me.  The most frequent would be what I consider my life verses:

 ^“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” –Romans 8:28-32 (NIV)

It is a framework for me and has brought comfort and guidance in the darkest of times.  The Bible fills me with courage, strength, laughter and questions.  It is a treasure-trove of life values; a roadmap of guiding principles.  It also makes me realize I am forever learning.  Curiosity brings me back to child-like innocence.  That’s how I want to live everyday – eyes wide open to the beauty and intricacies all around.  This in turn, fills me with a grace to face the not-so-pretty things. 

How do you find the balance?  Do you have a life verse or a principle that grounds you daily?