It is Well With My Soul
There’s a phrase that I learned from a song in church many years ago and it goes like this: It is well with my soul.
It was never a phrase that I was aware of “sticking” to me when I first heard it. However, lately, I am finding it appropriate to use here and there. I quite often use it when I travel back to Fort Collins and enter into northern Colorado. A deep satisfied sigh, followed by my announcement of it being well with my soul.
Here is the whole stanza of the lyrics written in 1873 by Horatio Spafford after a family tragedy: When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
When I use it, I do so in the sense that I feel complete contentment. Not to belittle the circumstances for which the song was originally written, but I do feel compelled to use the phrase throughout my daily life. Sometimes more seriously than others. Perhaps it is my own way of giving thanks or making myself or those around me aware that it is good.
Here are 10 things that make me announce It is well with my soul:
1. When my family is all under the same roof
2. Dancing
3. Knowing my parents are OK
4. Receiving cheek kisses from my boys and hearing the words, “I love you, Mommy.”
5. When I’m hugged by Chris
6. Drinking a Ranger IPA outside on a summer evening
7. Going on a daycation with my family
8. A concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater
9. Knowing I don’t have to work that night.
10. In any number of instances when a good song comes on by the likes of Michael Jackson, Live, Def Leppard and Big Head Todd and the Monsters (to name just 4!)
What might cause you to announce that it is well with your soul?
It is well with my soul: to experience the peace of God that passes all understanding, to give thanks for Glen, Chris, Jen, Logan and Eli—a wonderful family, and to pause and count my blessings.