Help Me to See

"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You're blessed when you are content with just who you are--no  more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought." Matthew 5:4-5 (MSG)

None of us like to lose anything. Doesn't it drive you crazy to misplace the car keys? And you never even notice they're missing until you are ready to walk out the door!

The other day I kept looking for my reading glasses and couldn't find them anywhere. Until I noticed they were on top of my head! Whew...that's just a little bit scary.

But I think these things are just God's little way of reminding us that we aren't in control. Oh, we like to pretend that we are in control of everything around us. And we fool ourselves into believing that nothing bad can get to us if we just keep a firm enough grip on everything around us.

And then comes the day I can't even find my glasses because they are sitting on top of my head! Some control I've got, huh?

The question I gotta ask you (and me) is, what do I think I've lost to live this Christian life? Or what am I afraid to give up to be able to draw closer to God? Realistically the answer is nothing. Nothing is more important than a real, honest and transparent walk with the Father. Because as The Message puts it, only then can we be close to the One who is most dear to us.

Father, thank you for all the little ways You remind me that I'm not in control...and that nothing is more important than my relationship with You. Help me to remove all the distractions of the world so that I can focus more on You and how You want me to be the gift to someone who doesn't know You yet. Remind me every day where my true glasses are and help me to put them on so that I can see You and those You love more clearly.

- Holly Barrett