Don’t Forget How to See Them

Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12 /  Jn 1:47-51

Every day we are surrounded by miracles, but we rarely notice any of them — because they are always there and we grow accustomed to them. We domesticate God’s wonders and take them as part of the ordinary furniture of our lives, and that means discounting their value by almost 100 percent.

Think of the new parents who stand in wonder over the crib of their new infant, marveling at those tiny fingers and toes, the eyes that are barely open yet, and the cry that is so loud for such a little body. “It’s a miracle,” they say, and they’re right. But before long, living every day with the miracle becomes ordinary, the wonder fades, and the focus shifts to “pick up your socks, take out the trash, and do your homework.”

It’s the way our minds work, and in one sense it’s probably a blessing because otherwise we’d be exhausted and overwhelmed all the time at the incredible goings-on all around us. But it is a pity, because so many of our lonely feelings and our wondering if God is close to us could be eased if we retained the gift of seeing what is right under our eyes.

We can regain and reinvigorate that gift of sight, if we take the time to look at the simple things of our daily experience more closely and with a more attentive spirit.

God is visible right here to those who have the eyes to see. Take the time, and experience the joy of seeing Him — every day.

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