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It Helps When We Lift Our Eyes
WILLMAR, MN (December 19, 2004) - Editor's note: In preparation for the
Christmas observance, Covenant Communications is sharing seven
devotionals that originally appeared in local church newsletters and are
being published here by permission. The following comes from Cheryl
Perry, an associate pastor working with children and families for First
Covenant Church.
By Cheryl Perry
I was reminded of something recently by my little dog.
Due to the fact that my family and I have been automobile challenged
lately (my car is in the shop), I had to walk down to the local post
office to get our mail. On one beautiful sunny day, I decided our dog,
Maggie, would probably enjoy a walk too.
Maggie is an 8-pound mutt. Keep this in mind - she is not so bright, and
that she also has an 8-pound body. I'm thinking that the brain can only
be a couple of ounces! Anyways, she loves to chase anything that moves .
. . balls, Frisbees, cats and squirrels are her
favorites. As we were walking I noticed two cats crossing the road back
to their yard about a block ahead. I was thinking, "Now this would be
interesting." But as we approached Maggie did not even notice the cats
that were crouched down and peering at
us as we passed.
A few blocks down, I spotted a squirrel in a yard and, again, wondered
what Maggie's response would be. I got another 'non-response' and
wondered, "How could this
be?" Well, Maggie's problem was that she was concerned with what was
going on right under her nose. Literally, she had her nose to the ground
just sniffing whatever was one step ahead of her. She missed out on the
potential of two great chases because she never looked up!
Our church has recently had an incredible 40 days of community building
and have heard stories of how people have been looking around for
opportunities to reach out and meet a need . . . and I've thought of how
awesome it is when our eyes are up, clearly focused on
those around us, looking for ways to really make a difference.
The holidays are upon us. Let us not get so consumed with our "to do"
lists that we neglect to keep our eyes up, focused on Jesus this season.
Let's not miss the joy because we have our noses buried in busyness. And
let's all continue to be ever watchful for
opportunities that God brings our way to share the love of Jesus with
those coming and going around us.
And for me, "Open my eyes that I may see . . ." (Psalms 119:18)
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