Monday, January 12, 2015
Stuck In A Rut
Again we had more snow overnight. As I took my daughter in my van to the end of our long driveway it became clear it would be a challenge not to get stuck. I tried to stay in the half filled tracks, but at the end slipped sideways. After she was on the bus, I tried going back and forth until I was back in the tracks. I did make it that far, however, the snow had become packed under my van. There I was, stuck in a rut. I was able to shovel enough to get out after about thirty minutes or so, and my wife got off to work once I was out of the way. Then, on the way back into the driveway and headed for the garage, well, you guessed it. Again, I got stuck in a rut. As I proceeded to dig out the entire section of driveway that led up to the garage, I began to pray and talk to God about my situation. That is when it occurred to me that what I saw in the situation depended at least in part on what I wanted to see.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
As I thought about this scripture, it occurred to me that it could be applied to how we view life. If we look at life with a heart that wants to see the world around us as bad or disappointing, then we will see just that for sure. But with a heart towards God, trying to find His ways to walk in them, then when we will be able to see God in the world. I stopped shoveling to look around. What good could I see? I saw a winter wonderland of snow covered trees. Everything was white and fluffy and beautiful. It made me smile, and I thanked God for this wonderful place to live and the snow to shovel. And especially for the shovel!
Today, as life presents itself to you, try to look at life as if you are looking for God in the world, and you will see Him, and the beauty around us everywhere.
Prayer
Father, we exalt You. Thank You for the beauty in the world. Let that same kingdom that is in the heavens with You come to us here, and in our hearts. Send us Your overwhelming provision today. Forgive us when we falter. Help us to overcome this world. Help us to see the world through Your eyes. Heal our hearts and eyes that we might see like You. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.