My morning began by sleeping much later than usual. It wasn’t planned, but it didn’t matter.
Once I got to my morning spot (my rocking chair by the front window) and got settled in with my first cup of coffee, I opened my hymnal to see what today’s hymn would be.
“Open My Eyes, That I May See” was written in 1895 by Clara H. Scott. Two years later, at age 55, she died when she was thrown from her carriage by a spooked horse.
So, as I pondered the song and asked God to open my eyes to see His truth today, a few things came to mind.
I begin each day asking God to open my eyes to see Him. (In fact, I sometimes sing this very song before I see my hymn for the day).
I certainly want Him to reveal Himself to me as I read the Bible and whatever other devotional reading I do for the day, but I’m also asking Him to open my eyes to His truth in whatever circumstances the day brings.
A week ago, sometime during the night on Friday, my wallet was stolen out of my truck in our driveway. So, this time last week, I spent the morning canceling credit cards and requesting new ones.
I never leave my truck unlocked and I never leave my wallet in it. Except last Friday. 🤦♂️
I don’t have any great insight or lessons learned (other than the obvious), but I’m asking God to give me His perspective on how to respond to life’s crises—from the inconvenient to the devastating.
If I fall apart and take my eyes off Him at the inconvenient, the prospects are not too promising that I’ll look to Him when serious things happen.
Sweetie and I voted a couple of days ago. It’s good to have it finished. Now I’d like to not see any more political commercials or social media posts, please.
Of course that’s not going to happen.
So I’m asking God to give me His perspective on how to best respond to the deeply divided nature of our current culture.
Here’s one conclusion I’ve come to: Jesus has sent me into the world to love who He loves, do what He says, and demonstrate His character in my circles of influence.
So, I ask myself these questions:
If all anyone knows about me is what they see me post publicly, would they be more likely to want to know me in person?
If people know more about my political alliances than they do about my personal character, am I more or less likely to be able to engage them in a real conversation?
If people know that I’m a Christian, do my posts make them want to know more about Jesus?
Do people with whom I disagree politically believe I might still be a friend in their time of need?
Lord, open my eyes to Your amazing activity in Your world today. Help me to see how amazing You are. Help me to see where You’re inviting me to join You.
Be amazing today, my friend.
