Sanders’ statement above begs the question: where might seeing eyes focus? No doubt there are a number of areas, but for today, let’s look at—or rather, see (!)–just two:
Seeing Eyes Focus on the Evidence of God
First, all areas of science from astronomy to zoology are grounded upon such laws of nature as gravity, the 24-hour cycle of light and dark, and the evaporation / condensation cycle of water. Such regularities beg the question, why is everything in the universe so structured?
“There is no logical necessity for a universe that obeys rules,”[1] and yet it clearly does. Someone had to give order to what would otherwise be chaos.
Second, the more cytologists study the structure of cells, the more complexities they discover. Even so, five years ago they did create a cell with 473 genes. However, they have a long way to go to match God’s engineering skills. The single-cell organism, E. coli bacteria, contains 4,000 genes; a human cell, 30,000.[2]
Third, all around us are examples of God’s artistry, but, “for lack of attention, a thousand forms of loveliness elude us every day.”[3] Such loveliness—right outside our door–includes:
- A sunrise back-lighting the tree-tops
- Ethereal mist swathing the woods’ undergrowth
- Dewdrop jewels sparkling in the grass
- Scampering squirrels making thin tree limbs dance
- Hydrangeas transforming their finery from shell pink to deep salmon
And seeing eyes turn heavenward in worship.
Seeing Eyes See People
Perhaps a true story will illustrate best:
There I stood over my son’s open suitcase, staring at the tag on his new school uniform pants. They were the wrong size. J. needed those pants the very next morning when all the sixth graders of his school would head to Washington D. C. for a three-day field trip.
We’d ordered those pants the previous week when the uniform store didn’t have his size in stock. They’d arrived on Saturday, but I never checked the tag till that moment. A glance at my watch confirmed: if we left immediately, we might arrive at Harris Prep Shop (a half hour away) before it closed.
But a long night lay ahead with another hour added to the agenda. And what if they still didn’t have J.’s size? Several scenarios played in my mind while I called the store.
Mrs. Harris apologized for the mix-up, then informed me a shipment had arrived that morning, including pants. I told her we’d get there ASAP, but it would take thirty minutes.
“Wait a minute,” she replied. Her voice became muffled while she spoke to someone else, then came back to me.
“Mrs. Ruegg? There’s another mom here from your school, and she says she’ll pick up the pants for you. You can return the others another time.”
“Oh—that would be fantastic!” I cried. “What’s her address? I’ll meet her there.”
More muffled conversation ensued, then Mrs. Harris relayed, “She says, give her your address and she’ll drop them off.”
An hour of precious time was suddenly regained by this thoughtful mother. Granted, she didn’t see my eyes widen upon discovering the size-tag, or my brows furrow as I fretted over several less-than-satisfactory solutions to our dilemma.
This woman was able to see me across the miles with the eyes of empathy and responded with gracious kindness.
Now that kind of sight is rare indeed.
[1] https://www.everystudent.com/features/is-there-a-god.html
[2] https://kenboa.org/apologetics/scientific-evidence-of-gods-existence/; https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2021/03/scientists-create-simple-synthetic-cell-grows-and-divides-normally
[3] Evelyn Underhill
Art & photo credits: http://www.maxpixel.net; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pixaby.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.facebook.com; http://www.piqsels.com.
From the Inside Out 
You’ve done it again, Nancy – made me stop and think…or should I say, SEE…some things. I really love both of these illustrations so much. You also make me think about Aaron. The other night as we left a pumpkin/Halloween event, a young man stared at Aaron in that way I see all too often, and it’s not polite. I usually stare right back, but those people rarely get my point. Yet there are far more who are kind to Aaron, who don’t stare but who smile at him and get a kick out of him, and I am so grateful for them. They truly SEE Aaron, and all of us…me and them…are so blessed because of that. Thank you for bringing this home to me. God bless you, my friend.
Thank you, Patty, for your kind words–and blessing. What a ministry Aaron has–giving folks the opportunity to practice their “seeing” and then responding accordingly. I’m so glad most people are kind and even enjoy Aaron’s unique view of life!
Nancy, thank you for the story of your son’s pants. It demonstrates to me just how much the Lord is involved in our lives. He had everything set up to assist you to save you the time you needed. It’s just a reminder how much he loves us.
I have a whole journal/notebook of entries, started in 1983 and numbering over 1400 now, that documents God’s involvement in our family’s lives! The story of J.’s pants is one of them. AMEN to your closing, Jim. I wonder how many times a day He expresses His love to each of us and we don’t even notice?
What a wonderful story about someone truly “seeing” you in your time of need, Nancy. It’s obvious she was putting herself in your shoes, and empathetically came to your rescue. Oh, to have more people in this world who truly SEE!
Blessings!
So glad you SAW wonder in that story, Martha. With you I pray to be one of those people who truly SEES!
I want to be more like Jesus every day, kind in every way and lead by His Spirit to be kind in the Spirit way🕊
AMEN, Swan! When we’re led by the Spirit we WILL be able to SEE clearly!
amazing thoughts and application from one quote. I loved that quote too. Really makes you stop and think.
Thank you, Jean. Yes, Sanders does cause us to pause and think!
Nancy, you’ve captured the honest truth so beautifully here –
‘all around us are examples of God’s artistry, but for lack of attention, a thousand forms of loveliness elude us every day.’
God has me curious about what it looks like to be more fully aware of all He is doing … and what I need to do to be more a part of that plan.
Perhaps reminders and practice will help us build awareness, Linda!
Thanks Nancy, Seeing is something we really need. I probably cannot count the times I did not see a need in someone’s life when I was too wrapped up in my own. I do love the picture of the trees and fall colors.
That’s happened to all of us, Sam. Let’s press on, however, toward better vision for tomorrow!
Nancy,
Oh, to wake up every morning with eyes that “see” because they’ve first learned to look in!
You have a poet’s eyes, and a mother’s heart—Spiritual Vision through God’s Love in you!
Such a joy to read. Thank you.
Deb
Thank you for your kind words, Deb! With you I pray daily for eyes that “see.” In fact, on a 3 x 5 among my prayer cards is a sentence from Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling: “Ask Me to open your eyes so you can find all I have prepared for you in this precious day of Life” (p. 50)!
What a blessing this story was to read! Just yesterday I was at Bath and Body Works buying some items. A customer in line ahead of me offered two 20% off coupons and I didn’t speak up soon enough. One of the recipients had just one little item which was a bit frustrating. After about two minutes she turned around to offer me her coupon! I was so very grateful because it did save me quite a bit. (Anything helps these days!) It’s nice to see kindness in action!
LOVE it! I’m sure your reaction blessed her too, Cheri! Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Hi NANCY, May the Lord give us all eyes to see what He has created with joy. It’s easy to get nearsighted.
In Christ, Gary
You are so right, Gary. Thank you for praying for all of us to have eyes that SEE!