What do YOU see?

 

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination. –Albert Einstein


One of the things I love most about children is their ability to see things that aren’t really there. Things that come purely from their wild, busy little minds. Things that, as we grow older, we might no longer see or hear or experience.

Chris Van Allsburg wrote a wonderful book, The Polar Express. It’s the story of a young boy who is invited to go along on a Christmas Eve adventure. As we ride with him aboard the Polar Express, we are reminded of the wonders of childhood, and the joy of sharing a very special secret.

At the end of the book, the boy and his sister receive a gift from the Visitor from the North: a silver bell, whose tinkling jingle is nothing short of divine. Imagine their surprise when they show the bell to their parents—and they hear nothing!

They have lost their ears that hear. They have grown up.

Throughout Scripture, we find messages that remind us to have eyes to see and ears to hear. If we lose the innocence of childhood, we can become inured to the beauty of Creation all around us. We might even have a hard time recognizing God’s presence in those we love. How tragic would that be?

 As we continue travelling this uncertain path into an unknown future, use your imagination. Look for the beautiful and the best in the world. It’s still there, sometimes nearly hidden behind the horrible headlines and noisy newsmakers. Fear not! Emmanuel. God Is With Us.

(P.S. Did you know . . . Chris Van Allsburg hid his little bull terrier Winston amongst the illustrations in every book he wrote? It's true! Do you have the eyes to see?)


Monday Close your eyes. Sometimes it’s easier to see that way. Imagine your surroundings. Now look around. What did you never notice before now? Psalm 19

Tuesday Try this: fill a small bowl with finger food. Close your eyes tight and, without looking, eat one piece from the bowl. Can you identify it? Exodus 20:1-4

Wednesday Now try yesterday’s experiment again—but this time, hold your nose while you taste. Guess what you think you’re eating; then let go of your nose and let the taste flood your mouth. (This works really well with Skittles candies. . . .) Isaiah 5:1-7

Thursday Sit near an open window while you still can. Listen. Try to hear individual sounds. What do you hear? Imagine. . . . Exodus 20:7-9

Friday Write a short, fantastic story. Let yourself be the main character, if you like. Let your imagination fly! Share it if you like—or keep it to yourself. Psalm 80:7-15

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, tae an assessment of your overall health. Not just your physical wellness, but your mental awareness and openness to new ideas and beliefs. Ask God for an open mind and heart. John 13:34

Sunday There are so many ways to worship, even during a pandemic! How will you praise God on this most amazing day? Exodus 20:12-20

 

The imagination is the golden pathway to everywhere. –Terence McKenna

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