I find that a good excuse can keep me out of trouble, and one of my favorites is, “I never saw it.” This one is useful in so many situations: “Why didn’t you clean up that mess?” “Why didn’t you pay that bill?” “Why did you blow through that stop sign?” To all of these, I can dodge all blame with a simple answer, “Not my fault. I never saw it”
However, when I try this excuse with God, it doesn’t work so well.
“Why haven’t you acknowledged me,” he asks.
“Well, I would if you’d show yourself,” I reply smugly.
“You aren’t very observant,” he says. “For what can be known about me is plain to you because I have shown myself to you. My invisible attributes, namely, my eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So you are without excuse.” (See Romans 1:19-20)
This means that if we are to know God, we need to become more observant. Here are some steps I have learned that may help to strengthen your powers of observation.
- Believe that there are things around you worth observing.
- Pay attention. Look for the unexpected.
- Use all of your senses. Observe with your eyes, ears, heart, nose, and fingers.
- Take time. You will observe very little with a quick once-over.
- Be aware of your filters. Past experiences, attitudes, and expectations can prevent you from seeing what is really there.
You have probably been told to “take time to smell the roses,” but don’t stop there–look at them, study them, enjoy them, and then pick one to share with a friend.
hmelges1919@gmail.com I am guilty of wearing dark glasses !!
A good reflection