A change of heart
 
There are certainly times when I’m a little hazy as to what God is saying to me, but there are other times when it is crystal clear and those are moments of amazing revelation, even when what’s revealed doesn’t reflect well on me. I’m leading a small group on the Beatitudes right now and we’re focusing this week on the one that says blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. This morning, the curriculum encouraged the reader (me) to reflect on seeing individuals in my life as Jesus would see them. First, I was instructed see people from a human point of view and I immediately realized how easily I can hold grudges, especially if the person doesn’t do what I want or is unreliable. That’s a lousy characteristic I have. I’m not sure if I convey this displeasure, but it still doesn’t do much for my soul. I was then asked to see people from Jesus’ point of view. And the scales fell from my eyes. I had been thinking about one individual in particular who I was having issues with and then all of a sudden (when I looked at this person from Jesus’ point of view) I saw this person’s context, the struggles they must be going through, the times when this person’s life can actually be joyous and infectious. My heart for this person changed in an instant. I’m sure there will be moments when I’ll still get frustrated, but I found myself being thankful for this insight into my own impatience and lack of grace. The daily miracles that God does are worthy of endless praise. Why is it so hard for our elected officials to do the right thing? Our governor isn’t the only one. Power can corrupt so completely. I finally watched “Slumdog Millionaire” last night and let me join the masses in singing its praises. Just a powerful, powerful movie. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-quinn-fundraising,0,7470214.storyshapeimage_1_link_0
Saturday, May 23, 2009