Seeing is one of the greatest gifts and abilities we have – not simply physical sight, but how we see and interpret everything.  There have been times in life when my spiritual eyes were so clouded over I couldn’t really see others for who they truly were and they might as well have been like trees.  Grief, loss, depression, discouragement and futility can cloud our seeing in a way that causes us to feel totally disconnected from others and even life itself.

I have never been touched physically by the hand of Jesus and seldom has healing come instantaneously.  There have been times when I’ve been touched by someone and within a short period begin to see things differently and it’s as if my spiritual sight was restored.  Have you ever been in a bad spot or gone through a difficult time in your life when someone’s presence, empathy and love have helped bring a sense of healing and deeper meaning to your life?
 
I’ve also come to see that being awake impacts what and how we see.  Being half awake in life is as dangerous spiritually as driving while being drowsy.  Going through life by just going through the motions misses the awareness that every moment is a gift.
 
In Leo Tolstoy’s  Essays, Letters and Miscellanies, he writes:
 
“If, then, I were asked for the most important advice I could give, that which I considered to be the most useful to others, I should simply say: in the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, look around you.” 
 
Seeing truly is a precious gift – seeing in all the ways we can.  Just typing and reading these words is a gift.  Jesus tells us to stay awake, to listen, to see – such are part of our responsibility as his disciples.   Today, I’m trying to do a lot more looking and seeing…
 
Here is how Maya Angelou put it,   “Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” 
 
What are you seeing?  Whatever it is - I hope you are wide awake, fully present and truly looking to discover all that life has to offer…all you have to offer…all in a spirit of gratitude.
 
This is one of the strangest summers we’ve ever known, but we can still be part of the trip and journey of life…sight-seeing with eyes of faith.
 
Summer Blessings and Healing,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister