Narrow View

Experiencing moments relaxing and observing my children at play are rare. Most times I am rushing around attending the needs of little humans. During a trip this summer, I found myself attentively watching my youngest child peer through the cracks in the deck straining to see the water. I chuckled to myself. He was spending so much time bent over, he was missing the spectacular view around him.

Yet so often I am guilty of this. I get so focused on myself; I fail to look up and out. Kristin Nave says in Wrestling to Trust, “When we find ourselves so far down the spiral of focusing on our own problems, we forget to look around and see the work that God is doing.”

Your life may be falling apart and I am sorry. I don’t mean to gloss over your problems. This month, through no fault of our own, we keep confronting one setback after another. So much is out of our control and we feel quite helpless. Yet I have to remind myself daily, this season is only for a time.

It’s so easy to become nearsighted, instead of looking at all that is right and good. During these times I often miss the need and plight of others. This week I am trying to remind myself to choose something I can control, the simple act of encouraging another person. As for the things I can’t control, I will remind myself of God’s faithfulness. Choosing instead to turn my gaze to the faithful beauty of a sunrise to be a balm for my weary soul.

I pray this encouraged you today.