Speeding By The Scenic Overlook

I treasure my sight. Test me and I’ll prove it. Throw an object at me and I’ll instinctively protect my eyes. The flinch is a built-in radar to guard our most precious organ.

Although I value what I see, I take it for granted. I’m far too busy to actually look at the world around me. Speeding across the interstate, I just drive on by the “scenic overlooks,” missing out on the wonder.

After all, there are places to go and precious little time to get there.

My life is lived with far too little time for “scenic overlooks.” I ignore the simple beauties of nature. I brush off the miraculous. I disregard the all too obvious signs of a Mighty God intervening in my everyday existence. The breakneck speed of a modern existence is not conducive to the wide-eyed wonder of the romantic or the saint in ages past.

But the deep, tranquil wonders I pass by.

We all need a healthy dose of awe and wonder.

Unfortunately, in our media-crazed, entertainment- driven, Hollywood-effects-dazed culture, we look for the wrong things. There is awe to be found in ample helpings all around, but it is most often found in the simple things. Nature is resplendent with mystery: The human brain and its potential; the interrelationship of the natural world; the intricate design of the atom; the deer feeding in the meadow on a crisp morning.

The Psalmist expressed similar awe in Psalm 40.5. “You have multiplied, O Lord, your wonderful deeds and your thoughts toward us….were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be numbered.”

Tomorrow, I’ll post again on an interesting project about those who were once blind who have had their sight restored. They were given a camera and an assignment. “What did you miss the most when you were blind.”

What do you treasure in this world? What do you see right now that you have missed? I would love to hear it. Comment here.

Please, share with a friend if you feel moved.
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