Eyes that can see, ears that can hear

As I sit on the balcony of my hotel room, my senses are awakened to the distant light across the small pond and the symphony of sounds from the animals, birds, and amphibians who reside in this lush, humid, and beautiful place. At the same time, it occurs to me that at this hour (when most early birds are still snug in their beds), I may be the only human listening and watching this beautifully orchestrated ballet of sight and sound. With this additional consideration, I perceive a shift from mere enjoyment to a feeling of gratitude for the precious serenade, a feeling that all of this beauty is here and I'm the only one who knows about it.

My mind is finding the parallels of this situation in my life and in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I think of how He would have performed the atonement even if I was the only one who needed it. I think about how we can miss things, beautiful things, if we aren't paying attention.

The beauty that I witnessed this morning would have existed even if I hadn't seen it. So many cannot see the beauty around them, the miracles, the blessings. That doesn't mean those things aren't there. It just means that the person isn't seeing them.

Some times, what we miss is the person within our sphere who needs something that we can provide, an opportunity to strengthen ourselves and another at the same time if we would but see and respond.

This morning, I am reminded to pray for eyes that can see and ears that can hear so that I might recognize the hand of the Lord in my life more fully and be an instrument for good in the life of another.