having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you . . . Ephesians 1:18
How often do we “see” with our hearts? In the quiet moments as we watch a small child blissfully sleeping? Maybe when we see one family member actually thinking of another and doing something nice for them out of the blue. When we see a person who has been recovering from a difficult surgery once again walk up the church aisles. When our Alzheimer’s parent or grandparent get a glimpse of recognition in their eyes and smiles. Precious snatches of time captured in extra slow motion and etched in our emotions.
While on earth, I believe Jesus saw the world through his heart eyes. Heart vision isn’t blind. It doesn’t fuzzy over reality. It clarifies it. It is more like putting on special glasses that crystallize the situation because now you can see through the surface into , well, the heart of the matter. Jesus saw through his heart because that is His nature. He still does. He looks beyond the extra pounds we have gained, past the imperfections peers kidded us about in school that still are exaggerated when we look in the mirror, and even through the bad attitude attack we just had. He sees our potential and hope through the eyes of love.
Lord, help me to see more through my heart and not just with my eyes. Help me to not only see your purpose for others but for me. Help me to peer beyond the surface to gaze at the wonder and beauty beneath, but also the pain and hurt. That is where your work lies.