Viewpoint
New year. New you. New view.
Every morning, seated in my prayer chair, I have a lovely view of God’s creation as I look toward my dining room window. This view can change daily depending on the weather and the season. Sunshine, cloud cover, stormy skies, snow, or rain offer an entirely new picture. One thing I can always count on is amazement at the work of our Creator. This leads me to prayers of gratitude for the gift of vision and each of the senses. Through them, I experience the world.
The view from my chair reveals mostly farm ground with assorted vehicles, appearing very small, traveling a road that is a mile away. Beyond the road are farm buildings and a tree line. I am grateful for this view every day and treasure this daily habit of setting aside time to pray. The time and location rarely vary. First thing in the morning, I sit in my prayer chair with my Bible, inspirational readings, and my prayer list. I read and I listen.
How would you describe your prayer time? Is it about making sacred space in your home and your heart? Does it help to avoid views that are distracting? These would be phone & TV screens for me! Can I improve my viewpoint toward certain people, places, and things?
What is the view from the windows of my heart? Do I choose to see the beauty in this world, the goodness in others? Not ignoring injustices and sin, but continuing to be grateful, joyful, and welcoming to the Real Presence in me and around me every day.
Maybe the better question is what does Jesus, the Real Presence, see when I invite Him in? What is His view from my heart-home? Is it a welcoming environment with clean windows to see both into and out of? Does my soul need some redecorating and furniture rearranging? If so, I ask the Lord to move out the uncomfortable and distracting pieces of décor and help me set a lavish table of love.
In this fresh new year, may we each assess our daily views and offer them to the Lord. He can turn them into world views, holy views, life-altering views. He can extend our views a great distance or focus them microscopically. Open wide the doors and Windex the windows of your heart. Pray for an expansion of your points of view.
New year. New you. New view.
Jesus, give me a heart like Yours so that I may see those whom You want to love through me.