Complete Abandon

Although we live in Wisconsin, we've lately had a lack of snow. A few days after Christmas we had some wonderfully warm weather that melted all but the large piles of snow leftover from shoveling.

Today, finally, we are getting some new snow. No more brown ground to look out. No more the cries of bored children desperate to play in the snow only to be met with hard mud. And no more going outdoors without boots!

After a late lunch, we asked the two older boys to head outside and clear off the driveway. Of course, the younger two couldn't bear to stay indoors either, so all four bundled up and headed out into the glorious white powder.

I watched from the front window for a few moments to make sure both boys were doing equal amounts of work and then I headed toward the back to check on the younger two. To my surprise, I saw only my youngest lying face down in the snow! I was sure something was wrong and I carefully watched his body from the window to see if he was crying. But, just as I was ready to trudge outside and check on him, I noticed a little pink tongue moving underneath his red cheeks.

There he was, sprawled out on his belly in the fresh snow, lingering over each lick of the wet, cold delicacy. Every once in a while he'd lift his head and I'd see his smile stretch from ear to ear as he enjoyed the return of winter's treat. It was as if his whole body just couldn't contain his joy!

As I sat and marveled at his complete abandon in enjoying this winter weather, I was struck with my own reserved nature. I can't remember ever once getting on my belly and licking the snow. And as I watched my son, I couldn't help but feel that I've missed out on something great all these years.

The Bible tells us of another type of abandon that is to be celebrated and desired. And that is abandon in the praise and worship of God. In 2 Samuel 6:14 it says that "David danced before the Lord with all his might." And in verse 15 it continues saying, "David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn."

When I think of worshiping with abandon, King David immediately comes to mind. He was not reserved in his praise of the Lord. He had seen God do incredible things and he didn't fail to give God incredible praise.

Sometimes I just want to stand up and shout about what the Lord has done. To let the world know that I serve an awesome God! But too often, I get embarrassed. I fear the response of others and I hold my praises in.

So today, I'm learning a lesson from my young son. Certain aspects of life should be enjoyed with complete abandon. Things like eating snow, showing love for others, singing and shouting praises to the King. How will you live with abandon today?