How about we take the scenic route today?
While I can tend to resist change, change can also be refreshing to my daily rhythms of life. Sometimes, a change of scenery can be the one thing to get us back into the right rhythm. There are those days we need to see beyond the normal or ordinary and focus on new scenery. Like me, you may travel the same roads and need to ask Google Maps to take the scenic route next time. I did just that a few weeks ago. Instead of driving the interstate to get to my destination, I took the back roads. I had plenty of time and got to take in the mountain views in the distance.
As I ebb and flow with changes that come along the way, I have sensed the desire for new scenery within my heart and mind. Where do my thoughts lead? Do my thoughts lead to joyful encounters, or does my mind take me down a path of what if’s? Ann Voskamp says beautifully, “If our moments aren’t sparking joy, shift perspective to focus on the One who blazes with glory.”
What is the current scenery of your heart and mind? There are moments when the scenery is foggy, and I sense the Father God inviting me back to the horizon where light is gleaming.
Whether we have gotten our focus on our current circumstances or have gotten out of the rhythm of trusting beyond those circumstances, we can always turn to the One who will remind us what truly matters.
If my eyes search through the fog, I can see more clearly as I look to the One who can best correct my vision. Literally, my eyesight is blurry, so I’ll go off to the eye doctor this week, but I also recognize my perspective can become out of focus. I must first retreat to the secret place with God to regain focus or better my viewpoint. Second, I find it helpful to withdraw from normal, everyday norms. While I can’t eliminate everything, there are things I can shift away from to focus on what matters most.
We see circumstances. Jesus sees the Kingdom.
We see suffering. Jesus sees redemption.
We see brokenness. Jesus sees restoration.
We see imperfections. Jesus sees perfectly.
What we see matters. And how we see things matter, too. Jesus is inviting us to see what He sees. Love. Forgiveness. Grace. Hope. Light.
Jesus sees. He sees you. He sees every concern and every longing deep within.
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.
Matthew 6:22
Jesus reminds us that our eyes allow light to illuminate us. As we look to the One full of light and love, we, too, will be filled with light. If our perspective is foggy, we can find clarity by seeking the Holy Spirit. As we press through the fog, we can reach the light. Beyond our circumstances, beautiful scenery awaits us.