Sometimes You Don’t See It…

Sometimes you don’t see it even when it’s right in front of you.

Just off of Buttermilk Falls Road is a little piece of paradise.

This gem is somewhat hidden by the greenery that gently frames it.

A waterfall that flows into the still waters below.

God nudged me to pull the car over this morning to take in this beauty.

And to hear His voice.

The gushing water poured over the rocks with a powerful force.

My mind drifted to a number of friends facing difficult circumstances today.

Health concerns, losing a loved one, financial burdens.

I imagined this same force surging through their bodies at this very moment, with fear and despair.

Sometimes you don’t see it even when it’s right in front of you.

Busyness obstructs our view to the brokenness that is going on around us.

The window from our laptop or cellphone frames the world in a way that hides what lies beneath the picture.

Quickly, we survey the image and return to our lives.

There is an acknowledgment, but no understanding.

Jesus was in front of the multitudes.

Many saw Him, but did not see Him.

He preached to the crowds.

Many heard Him, but did not hear Him.

The disciples questioned why Jesus spoke in parables.

“This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For the people’s hearts have grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” Matthew 3 : 10 – 15

Sometimes we don’t see Him even when He is right in front of us.

Quickly, we glance at His image and return to our lives.

We acknowledge His presence, but have no understanding of who He is.

Friends, we need to take a closer look.

Today I challenge you to stop, look and listen.

No quick glance and returning to your to do list.

And in that sacred moment, my prayer is that you see another powerful force at work.

Just like the waterfall flowing into the still water below.

May His power wash over you and bring you peace and understanding.

Don’t miss it.

It’s right in front of you.