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What is it I see and of what do I make note?
Today, I can look out the window and notice that the hydrangea plant isn't flowering much and isn't getting very full. It seems to still be more green than red--will it ever be full of color?
Or, I can look at that same hydrangea plant and remark on the radiant deep red that colors the top half of the bush. I can note how the colors combine and compliment each other reminding me that Christmas is coming---red and green! It is simply a matter of how I see.
I can notice and complain about how the hydrangea bush seems to be growing at an odd and awkward angle ... or, instead, I can declare the remarkable way it is growing outward and upward, stretching and straining toward the afternoon sun! This plant will do anything, even a strange crick of it's neck, to drink in the sunlight.
What do I see when I look at that same-said plant?
Day-in-and-day-out we all have a choice. I have the choice today.
I was exercising this morning to a work-out video. In the video, the instructor says, "If you can do any of this work-out, you have reason to praise God!" I was so deeply struck with her perspective. In that moment, I was frustrated that I couldn't do this-and-that... that my stamina was so limited. She was looking at the same-said workout with a different lens. She reminded me that I have reason to praise God! I can move and jump and all my limbs work today! I can exercise. And, that, in-and-of-itself, is reason to worship.
What will I see today?
Will I note those things that are undone? Or can I notice and rejoice in those things that have been accomplished...
Will I note the lack of faith or the worry in my heart, or enter into those moments when I feel close and experience trust?
Sometimes it is just a matter of how I choose to look at it.
I want to see the deep red of the hydrangea and rejoice as it lifts it's head toward the light. I want to be thankful for breath in my lungs, feet that work and faith that resides deep in my heart. I want to be watchful and aware today and see, in wonder, all the good and perfect gifts from God, my Father. Give me eyes to see, Father.
**funny postscript. Just after writing and posting this blog, I walked into the school room with my son's corrected math homework. As I handed it to him, he asked, "How many did I get wrong?". Son, I said, don't ask how many you got wrong... ask me, "How many did I get right!?" He laughed at me and asked again, "Mom, how many did I get wrong?"
...we all have a choice. Day in and day out. How many things will I see aright today?