I guess it goes without saying that our perspective really does determine how we view our surroundings. Our backgrounds, thoughts at the moment, situations in life all bring us to a conclusion about something that we see. That is the gift of a moment. There are times when we look and see opportunity. Other times, we look and see barriers. It could be the same view with a different perspective.
When I first gaze at this photo, I am drawn to the uniqueness of the wall. A solid, worn structure that helps to keep everything inside. It is a protection from the elements on the outside. It is a separation from what is on the other side of the wall. It has beauty and comfort all on its own. But if we only see the wall, we miss the window into a new world. Just beyond the opening is the unknown. From here, it looks like it holds possibilities. It seems as though there is so much to offer. We don’t, however, really know when we stay within the wall. We don’t know what awaits on the other side as long as we rely on the comforts where we are. Maybe it is better for us to stay within the wall. But maybe, just maybe what the window holds is a welcome into a new adventure. It is a welcome into opportunities that are yet to be discovered.
I feel like this image holds the key to following God, at least for me. I can stay in my comfortable, beautiful world and enjoy what I have. Or I can glimpse out the window into what just might be. I can hunker down in the known with all of my things or I can expand into the unknown leaving it all behind. Following God is both amazing and scary. It is a step beyond my vision with so much that awaits. I have to trust Someone other than myself. I have to depend on the One that welcomes me on the other side of the window. I cannot rely on me and my abilities any longer. I am challenged to walk, following God wherever he might lead. Yet, he welcomes me. He invites me. He reminds me that I am his. And he shows me that I have nothing to fear. So today, I step through the opening to a world unknown with the very One that knows me.
Focus Scripture:
Matthew 16:24-25
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 