obsessed with my prize

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

My Abba,

This verse brings to mind a conversation I had a while back with a friend. “I don’t have the awe and wonder you have for God,” she said.

That comment brought up several thoughts for me. I was deeply grateful for the gift of sight that you have given me. I notice (in some infantile way) how delightfully perfect you are. I was grateful that something about the way you and I connect convinced her I experience awe and wonder for you. I was grateful for the way her words encouraged me to keep my gaze fixed on you, my eternal God. Not just for my pleasure, but so others might see it is possible to experience that awe and wonder.

I always want to remember that mug of White Rose tea on the table at Kerbey Lane cafe, as we spoke. I said, “Let’s imagine that I believe this mug is the single most beautiful, pleasurable, valuable treasure in all of the universe. And let’s say this mug has the power to transform me into the most glorious version of myself and give me eternal joy.

“What if I realized that there were obstacles between this glorious treasure and me? I would want to recognize those objects and remove them in order to see, enjoy, and be transformed by this priceless treasure. I would be driven to find and remove those obstacles. That would not be a duty I pursued because someone guilted me into it. I would be on a mission – obsessed with my prize.

I don’t know if my illustration changed my friend’s perspective. But the recalling of it encourages me. Please fuel my passion for what is unseen, glorious and eternal.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

You are beginning to notice how much your focus impacts you. It directs, affects, and informs your path. When your gaze is locked on something, or someone, you don’t have the mind space to give attention to much else. The more you fix your eyes on me, the more you see what is important to me.

The company you keep influences you. When you choose to enjoy my company, my presence changes you, making you more like me. My beauty draws you in, and helps you release what is false and not of me.

As you enjoy my embrace, those distractions over there in the shadows will look like what they really are – god frauds. They caught your attention when you were tempted to see me as dissatisfying, ineffective, slow, or disinterested.

It doesn’t mean I am not paying attention because I don’t part the waters when you want me to. When I don’t move that mountain, it does not indicate I lack compassion or am somehow inept or short-handed.

Remember, my thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways. Sometimes the pain of this world tries to herd your thoughts into a pen of despair. Even when you don’t understand the “whys,” I am asking you to trust my character.

Stay close. The more you are with me, the more you will see me for who I am. That wisdom will help you to trust me for what you cannot see.

I love you,

Abba 

photo: ivan kruk