focus
It seems that life just seems to speed along and rather than taking time to wonder, observe, reflect or just pause or even stop, we continue to cruise along never really aware of what we’ve missed along the way. And when we do finally stop, we see a world full of rubble, breaking in many places - our connection to the earth, relationships with others and our spiritual lives - needing healing.
The media continually informs us at every moment we turn on the news that catastrophe is emminent from climate change, wars, poverty to sickness and despair. That’s our external world, but what about our inner, deeper selves?
The quiet, contemplative moments in the day are the ones when we feel the love. A simple act of kindness, a warm smile, the sun on the colored leaves are all touches from God. It’s the pause when we readjust the lens and focus on what’s really important. We shouldn’t just be seeking false gods and loving delusions; rushing frantically through the day and living fearfully in anticipation of what we believe from a newscaster, a politician or the neighborhood gossip.
As humans, we were created by God to glorify God. We can see the world He created and His eternal power and divine nature all around us - in a sunset, majesty of a mountain, power of a volcano, and fierceness of a storm. Those things should make it our desire to glorify the worthiness of God. All of His creation deserves the praise where it is due—to the creator Himself.
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11
Perhaps we should be picking up the bible and receiving the message it offers. We should be listening to the voice of God. After we widen the lens, the vision becomes clearer and a deeper interior is revealed - convicting us to change - to pause - to stop. Slow the rush and rest and reflect. Change the pace.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8