Leo was so focused this morning. He found a spot he could survey the entire yard and sat down. He looked, he watched, and he listened. The sounds of the birds seemed to be even more pronounced today than usual. Their little voices sing with praise to the Creator. Leo, of course, wanted to chase one. But in order to do that, he had to see where the closest one was – the one most likely to be chased. So he carefully assessed his surroundings. He canvased it all. And then, he decided it wasn’t worth it and found a stick to eat instead.
We could learn so much simply by paying attention and intently listening. The clutter in our minds can cloud the messages of goodness all around us. God is providing us with reminders of his abiding presence. It’s all here. Most of the time, we pass it all by. And then we wonder why we don’t sense God’s presence. He is here, we are not (well, at least not completely). We know why. There are a million things to do and to think about. We are planning meals or taking care of kids or thinking about our doctor appointments or worried about the stack of work waiting for us on our desk. Our hearts, minds, and ears are all cluttered with worries and anxieties. We don’t hear well in the muffled world we roam.
The key is simply to stop. That’s it. Just stop for a moment, find a place to perch, and listen. Just look around – really look. Hear all the messages of goodness. Feel the warmth of a new day. Know that you are not alone. God is with us.
Focus Scripture:
Proverbs 15:30-31
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
and good news refreshes the body.
31 The ear that heeds wholesome admonition
will lodge among the wise.
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 