Tuesday, August 23, 2016

How Am I Doing At Seeing?

Hey Friend,

My guide "word" for 2016 has been "See"....as in to pray for God to open my eyes in order to "see" Him more clearly.  I'm a little late for a mid-year review, but was compelled to take an inventory as to how I am doing with this goal of mine.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  (Psalm 19:1)

The night I gave my life to Christ and invited Him in to be the Lord of my life, I was lying, by myself, in the the dark, on a grassy plateau in the middle of the mountains of western Pennsylvania.  The campfire had just broken up at the Christian camp I was attending as a thirteen year old. 

I remember lying there, on my back, in the quiet, gazing up at a star-filled sky. Thousands of tiny lights blanketed me and I remember thinking to myself, "Who am I, Lord, that you are mindful of me."  You've created the masterpiece of the heavens, yet you are concerned about what goes on in my little old life.  




In seeing each and every one of those stars among the thousands and knowing that God called each one by name, I knew that He cared enough to call my name.  He is "El Roi" - the God who sees me.  

If God could see and care about me so deeply, then I needed to take the time to see HIM more clearly.  

I've been blessed by having the opportunity to go to the island of Kawaii. There, beside a steep rock outcropping that rocketed toward the sky, was a beautiful semi circular cay surrounded by stones and sand that touched waters so clear and so jewel-like that I'm not even going to begin to describe the color. 

Fins on and mask and snorkel in place, I swam out near the coral reef and the large volcanic stone remnants.  Once I put my head under water, I heard nothing but silence and the sound of my own breathing.  It was as if someone had just flipped off the switch to the outside world and I was in this visual fantasy land.  

The myriads of fish in all different sizes and shapes swam around me.  They didn't seem too bothered by my presence.  The sun was shining and since the water was so clear, their hues of yellow, blue, purple, and rainbow appeared neon-like and radiant when the sun hit them just right.  

Then, I saw them, there among the small fish were large see turtles swimming ever so gracefully by.  So close, they were, that I could look them in the eye. I've never seen anything quite like it and these memories of being one with the creatures of the sea has stayed with me.  How blessed I was for this encounter.

The sea (is) vast and spacious, teaming with creatures beyond number.  (Psalm 104:25)

In his hands are the depth of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.  The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:4-5)

To say that God's creation speaks to me is an understatement.  But, what if we don't have star-filled nights and crystal clear teal lagoons to swim in?

God is teaching my eyes to see, even in the commonplace of the everyday. Each morning I go out to water my plants.  We are in the dog days of summer so the first thing I notice (even this early) is the hum of the cicadas.  I stop and take note of the sunrise.  As the sun pops it's sleepy head up over the trees in my back yard, I am never quite certain what I'm going to see?

Rays of sunshine playing hide and seek behind fluffy and whispy clouds?  Or, hues of pink and orange that make the sky come ablaze?  I see droplets of dew on the still cool blades of grass. The gloriousness of the sky is reflected in these tiny droplets.

As I water each plant I take note of the scarlet million bells that look like tiny trumpets. I spy the tight rosebuds that are waiting to open and break forth into an array of spectacular colors.  The sunny black-eyed susans smile at me as do the gerbera daisy petals that resemble a lion's mane.  

The tiny dianthus with their frilly laced edges frame a flower that grows deep in purple ribbons as your eye travels toward its center.  The hydrangeas are dry now...as are the peonies.  Their seasons have passed, but the autumn joy sedum is ready to pop with color for the fall.  

As I stand still, a gloriously yellow finch lights on the bird feeder.  He and his friends are skittish fellows so I stand very still and just marvel at how brilliant their feathers are.  As if everyone got the memo, but me, to wear yellow...two yellow monarchs come flitting by and lightly touch down on several of the flowers.  

All this pageantry just in my back yard...how could I have missed it before?  How could watering the plants have just been one more thing to check off my to do list?

Here are a few things that God has been teaching me about truly seeing Him and His creation:

1.  Slow down...whether its watering the plants in the back yard or taking a walk around a lake, I need to slow down so that I can take it all in.  My walks these days are much different that they used to be.  Instead of "git r done" being my motto, I stop to pet the dog smiling up at me.  I pause to watch the mother duck with her ducklings in tow.  I make sure to gaze around me and be still and present in the moment. This exact moment will never happen again.

2.  Limit distractions...I rarely take my phone with me on walks.  It's hard for me to be present with God and His creation when my phone is pinging and ringing and beeping.  I don't turn on the TV during the day.  I find that either silence or praise music ushers me more easily into God's presence.  I try to limit my time on my laptop.  Even though I'm a great multi-tasker, I can't see God's word in my Bible if my eyes are looking at my computer screen. This takes discipline.

3.  Look and Listen...Look with the expectation of seeing something.  Look and explore with a child's curiosity.  So many times I'm in such a hurry to get from point A to point B that I don't go looking for what treasures God has for me.  The same with listening....I, personally, have to turn off the white noise. God doesn't shout - He whispers and so I need to incline my ear to listen for His still small voice.  Look into peoples' eyes and not past them.  What might their eyes be telling me about how I can be Jesus' hands and feet to them today?  

4.  Ask for an increased ability to See....When I think of what my prayer can be, I think of the words to a song that go:  "Open the eyes of my heart Lord. Open the eyes of my heart.  I want to see You.  I want to see You."  I continually ask God to open my eyes to His gloriousness.  You know what?  He's never disappointed me.  He simply says, "Bev, I've been waiting here all along just waiting for you to ask."

5.  Thank Him...Thank Him continually for what He reveals to you.  I find that when I express gratitude to God for what He's shown me, my heart is opened up in a way that is ready to see so much more that He has in store for me.

So, to sum it up....I'd say I'm doing better at seeing...or actually God is enabling me to use my eyes and ears more efficiently.  God is faithful to answer our prayers in an affirmative manner when they are in accordance with His will. God didn't give me mountains, and seas, and animals, and people to just pass them by, distracted.  

No, He gave me/you all this because He loves us.  He loves you!  In what ways is God calling you to "see" Him more clearly?  To "see" others more clearly? To see yourself?

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for your glorious creation and all the works of your hands that are for my good pleasure.  Help me to slow down that I might truly see more of you, more of others, and even more about myself.  I am asking you Lord to open the eyes of my heart.  Remove the veil that is over me.  Help me not to walk at the pace the world does - which would have me hurrying by what you want me to see.  Give me strength and discipline to set aside that which distracts me from being present with you.  Give me a heart of gratitude, Lord, for ALL that you have done for me.  Let me live in the light of your glorious love.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.




ps. 29 Students could still benefit from your compassion to bring them just ONE gift for Christmas.  
We need to collect donations now to make the Joy of Christmas a reality in December.  
$25. can bring joy to one child this year...will you help us?
or mail check to:
RCF, Inc.
103 Silver Lining Lane
Cary, NC  27513
**We are a registered 501c3 non-profit ministry
** Tax statements will be provided year end

21 comments:

  1. Fun to read this a few days after I had been meditating on Psalm 19. God uses His Word in such unique ways in the lives of believers. Your words here make me think that I should plan to have a focus word for 2017. Thanks for sharing your journey of seeing . . . so far! Wondering what plans God has for the rest of 2016!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michele,
      I'm glad I timed this just right for you :) I ought to have done an appraisal before this...guess I wasn't "seeing" how quickly the calendar pages were flying by?? I've picked a word for three years now and it has been a good challenge for me. God has a good way of reminding me when I get forgetful!!
      Blessings,
      Bev

      Delete
  2. Hi Bev! I'm your neighbor at #CoffeeforYourHeart today. Your post really struck a familiar chord with me. I love the outdoors and am so inspired by God's creation. I often get too busy and forget to slow down, but I'm learning more and more the importance of really seeing rather than just glancing. Thank you for an inspiring post! Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gayl,
      Yes, I was great at glancing, but not really "seeing". God has been faithful to remind me to slow down...especially in His creation where there is so much evidence of His love and majesty. So glad you popped by!!
      Blessings,
      Bev

      Delete
  3. Hi Bev ... I love that you're living out your word, taking time to evaluate what's happening with it as the year rolls on. When I've chosen a word, it only seemed to vanish into thin air before long, so I stopped trying to make it happen.

    It does my heart good to see the way you're following through and embracing what you set out to do!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda,
      My words tended to vanish into thin air as well - until my good friend made me a beautiful calligraphy print with the word "See" written quite large. It sits on a stand in my kitchen area next to where I plop every meal to eat so I can't miss it. I need continual reminders and my dear friend made me one to keep in plain view. I highly suggest it if you do decide to pick a focus word. My follow through is not so hot...here is my "mid-year" review at the end of August lol. Better late than never I suppose...so thankful we have a patient and merciful God!!
      Blessings dear friend,
      Bev

      Delete
  4. I don't know if this heightened sensibility becomes even sharper in our older years, but I've been doing some of the same things you've done and written about so eloquently here, Bev. I'm especially moved by God's creation too and strategically place my desk to have my quiet time next to my window that faces a huge maple tree in our backyard. Thanks for the beauty of your words and challenge to each one of us to slow our steps and take in the beauty of God's world!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth,
      I don't know if I move slower because I'm older and therefore am able to better take in what I see, or if with age comes wisdom that says, "Slow down and be present in the moment." ?? Either way, I'm thankful for the heightened awareness that God has developed in me. Thanks, Beth, for your encouragement here today!
      Blessings,
      Bev

      Delete
  5. God has been teaching me to Rest and simply enjoy His presence also. I can relate with most of everything you have just said. He is slowly teaching me to retreat to the lake in the backyard, not to read or write or play on my phone. But to stop, breathe, and simply notice the beauty that is all around me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deanna,
      How beautiful to have a lake in your backyard!! Your own built in retreat!! Yes, leave the phone at the house and just breathe Him in! Thanks for sharing...
      Blessings,
      Bev

      Delete
  6. Thank you for sharing your progress on your "one word" for the year! I love this thought: "Look and Listen...Look with the expectation of seeing something." It's so important to change my attitude to be open to see what God wants to show me! Thanks for your sweet encouragement here! --Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bettie,
      I know I put expectations on everyone else (sometimes undeservedly), but I really felt God calling me to expect to be amazed by Him. And, just like God...He never disappoints!! So glad this resonated with you :)
      Blessings,
      Bev

      Delete
  7. Great post as always, Bev. "Looking and seeing" through the eyes of our faith brings many new visions into our horizon. Being intentional about observing and then watching life unfold can be humbling and beautiful and awe inspiring. Let our eyes be opened to the goodness of the Lord---at all times. Peace to you.
    Xo Lisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa,
      I think you captured it...looking and seeing "through eyes of faith". I believe our faith gives us a whole new perspective that the rest of the world simply misses. Praying with you that our eyes would be opened to the goodness of the Lord.
      Peace and love to you sweet friend,
      Bev

      Delete
  8. This post caused me to smile a number of times: 1. I, too, have been snorkeling, but in the Florida Keys. You are so right about another world existing beneath the surface of the water. The colors are especially astounding. And the heart does respond with wonder and praise! 2. I've been trying to take in the beauty of our own yard as I prune, water, and weed among the flowers, and sit on the deck for my quiet time (when it's not too hot and muggy). God is teaching me to see more in the commonplace, too. I greatly appreciate the five steps you included at the end of your post, Bev. I DO want to see God more clearly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nancy,
      We certainly seem to lead parallel lives lol. Isn't the world below the surface of the water astounding. Like you said, there IS beauty in the commonplace as well, we may just have to look a little closer. I believe that when we approach Creation with a desire to see God more clearly, He responds in big ways. Thanks for sharing here, Nancy.
      Blessings,
      Bev

      Delete
  9. Bev, I love this beautifully detailed post! I so agree with you that if we "pray to" slow down and see God at work in the small everyday people, places, and things in our life--He will answer that prayer...praying your closing prayer along with you. Many blessings to you ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth,
      So great to have you here today!! Details...God is a master of the details. I am continually amazed that even the petals of every flower have been though through by the Creator. When I slow down, I see God's fingerprints everywhere. Thanks for joining me in that heartfelt prayer!!
      Blessings Beth,
      Bev xx

      Delete
  10. I love that song too: "Open the Eyes of My Heart." Such good soul refreshment here today, Bev. We all need to take more time to slow down and open our eyes to God's wonders and goodness.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Bet that's a great mid-year (sort of) review. HA! I need to go do that with my one word because by this time of the year I may be doing it but not thinking about it like I should.

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a great idea, Bev! August is the perfect time to take inventory of how we are doing with our 'word' of the year. I love what God has revealed to you through your word. Mine is 'release'. I believe I will follow your lead and spend some time in prayer, seeing how I've been doing with my word this year. I know God has given me plenty of opportunities to release control to Him this year, and trust His mighty hand. Thanks for the idea!

    ReplyDelete

I would really LOVE to hear from you!! Your thoughts, opinions, suggestions and prayer requests mean a lot to me.