SO HE COULD SEE IT

On one of my morning walks, I found this nice little insulated cup nestled in the grass along the roadside. The cup was personalized with the person’s name, so I wondered if it may have been a special gift. Perhaps he had set the cup on his car and then drove off, forgetting it was there. I placed the cup on this level utility surface, hoping that he would be better able to see it, if he should drive by again.

“So he could see it…” This thought then led to additional reflections on life and love.

I thought of the kindness, graciousness, and love that are always present in our world, but often go unnoticed because they are in unexpected places or moments. Or they are overshadowed by so many stories of all that is not good. Or perhaps–by the very humble nature of all that is good–they are not drawing attention and can only be found by being observant. Like the cup (or the love, kindness, or graciousness), we know they are there; our role then is to make them more visible.

How might we lift up everything that is good to make it more easily seen? How might we take the universal love that is always with us and reveal it to others? How might we seek more of those hidden gifts that will bless when we bring them to light?

We might begin by opening our eyes and spirits to notice more of God’s goodness, to look in unexpected and smaller places, and to recall at day’s end all of the ordinary yet miraculous moments of the day. We can share those moments and stories with others, naming what we have found good and right. We can point out the people who are making the world a better place. And we can follow their example.

This week, goodness and love were made visible to me from my friend Laura (an avid birder) who shares wonderful photos of the variety of birds she has found, examples of God’s amazing creativity. Several faithful and dedicated people worked to make the church office clean and fresh for me. During worship this morning, everyone mingled with delight as we shared a time of peace–the joy was abundant. When I hear a car horn beep outside my office window, I know it is my Jim passing by and sending his love. I cherish a recent email that my friend Ruth wrote to thank me for my writing.

Every prayer can become an act of support or provision. Every compassionate feeling can become helpful care. Every random thought of someone can become a friendly phone call. Every moment of gratitude can become a written acknowledgement or a kindness in return. Every regret may become an opportunity for an earnest conversation. There may be times when we are the ones to reveal just what someone has needed and missed–even if we were there all along.

When we pay attention, we notice. When we notice, we are moved. When we are moved, we can act. That’s how goodness and love become visible.

Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of people. ~ Roy T. Bennett

(Photo by Karen)