Waiting to Exhale

Good morning from my Mourning Chair on the last day of 2024. My hubby and I had a luncheon outing at a British Pub yesterday called “Eagan Arms Public House.” It is an excellent restaurant, if you are in the area of Eagan, Minnesota give it a try. Lunch out is the extent of our New Year’s outings, we will have a quiet night tonight watching British dramas. Apparently it is all about the Brits this week! (John is half British. I am 0% British, but I loved Eagan Arm’s steak and mushroom “pie” and British detective shows. And oh yes, I love John too!)

Waiting to Exhale

Waiting to Exhale - it was a movie from 1995. This is not about that movie, but I find the title applicable.

Sometimes we hold our breath, looking at fireworks, a scary scene in a movie, waiting for a diagnosis. Then we finally exhale. Perhaps you like certain election results so you will exhale in 2025 when the oath of office is taken. Maybe you do not like an election result and you are going to hold your breath for years.

Of course I speak figuratively, but both physically and mentally we need to expel the bad thoughts (e.g. carbon dioxide), and take in fresh thoughts (e.g. oxygen) on a regular basis.)

Stress Relief

A good way to relieve stress is to take a deep breath, count to four, exhale for four seconds, and recover for four. Do it until the stress leaves your body.

In case you feel anxiety or panic overwhelming you, breathe wtih this video:

The Origin of Breath

What does the Bible say about breathing? It says a lot! After all, the very act of breathing comes from God: “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7

And then….

“But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last and is no more.” Job 14:10

Even Scripture itself is God-breathed. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:16-17

Finally, Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (all NIV)

Moving into 2025

Maybe 2024 was a tough year, and tonight you will exhale when the clock moves to 12:01 a.m. Of course, no one knows what 2025 holds, so just remember to breathe. We are here on earth for a short while; as we enter into 2025 let us give thanks we can breathe, and praise God, the giver of breath. Perhaps it will help our perspective and carry us through the tough times. Have a blessed New Year.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash