Glimpses of a Greater Reality

Each morning while the boys are eating breakfast, I walk around the house opening the blinds that cover our windows. I love to welcome the sunshine into the house, as its light and warmth instantly awaken and lift me. If the day is cloudy and gray, I often light some candles. In this season, I also immediately turn on the lights of the Christmas tree. In the evening, we enjoy the glow and warmth of our fireplace almost nightly right now. 

A few days ago, the sunlight was shining brightly through our window – penetrating the entire room with its rays. This image, along with my morning routine, goes right along with the cry of my heart lately...

“Lord, please open my eyes to the greater spiritual realities in my home, this city, and the world. Please open what is closed in my heart, mind, and soul, and let the light of You flood in. Let YOU be what awakens and lifts me. Illuminate the dark parts of this world and me, so that we can be changed by You. Let me see what I cannot see without You. Change my perspective by giving me even a glimpse of Yours.”

I’ve felt a bit desperate lately for a changed perspective. I want to see the spiritual realities that are throughout every day. I want to be connected to the heart of God so much more than my i-phone. I want to see beyond the mountains of laundry and dishes. I want to see beneath and above the tantrums of my toddlers or the cries of my baby. I want to breathe in mercy and breathe out grace. I want joy. I want peace. I want all that God is, and all that He came to bring.

Yet I get SO bogged down by anxieties, fears, and thoughts of others and myself. I get so caught up in my to do list. I get so distracted by things that don’t matter in the kingdom of God. 

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I took my 4 year old son, Nathaniel, on a ‘date’ the other night to a Christmas choir / play at a large church in town. The first act represented parts of England during the time of Charles Dickens life, and highlighting some of his quotes and writings. There was one scene that was so beautiful, and again illustrated this concept I’ve been praying...

The scene was during a time in England when many were in desperate poverty. There was a beggar woman sitting in the street, who continued to be passed by, spat upon, and ridiculed. The scene drastically changed when a few people gathered around her – gave her food, laid their hands on her and prayed, and looked her in the eye. Suddenly, a group of ballet dancers dressed in white came running out – they were carrying long sticks with doves flowing from a string at the top. As the dancers circled the group of people surrounding this woman, the paper doves appeared to be flying in circles high above them all. With the music and lights added to this scene, it literally brought tears to my eyes. It was as if the usually unseen work and beauty of the Holy Spirit flying above these type of moments in humanity was suddenly visible. 

So I continue to pray...

“Lord, open my eyes – for even a moment. Give me glimpses of what You are doing, what You are seeing. Give me a glimpse of this day, that stranger, my sons, my marriage, or myself through YOUR eyes.”

        

The very last scene of act two also struck me. It was now a familiar scene in Bethlehem. Mary, Joseph, and the newly born baby Jesus were together inside a stable. The three kings came to worship Jesus, and give Him their gifts. Yet I’ve never seen this display of the kings before. Each one was dressed in an incredibly elaborate robe and crown, with a long train trailing behind him that was lifted up and held by his servants. The kings were completely surrounded by servants who were carrying their gifts and heralding the way. The innkeeper and onlookers were absolutely amazed that these kings were there – in this part of Bethlehem, and watched intently to see what they could possibly be doing. Everyone was bowing as the kings passed through... To then see each king stop, bow, and lay his costly gift in front of this tiny baby, was simply stunning. It was a beautiful glimpse of the greatness of who Christ was and is, and the often upside down (to us) reality of the kingdom of God.

So as I contemplate on all these things this advent season, I anticipate seeing more of the beauty, majesty, work, power, and love of our great Redeemer and Lord. He has proven throughout history that He desires to be seen and known by those who search for and surrender to Him.

“Oh Jesus, may my every day be taken up and consumed by the reality of Your coming. May the truth that you came to us, as one of us, for our salvation, be breathtaking to me once again. May the truth that You are currently present with us through Your Spirit, thrill and delight me in the midst of every day. May the truth that You are coming again to make all things right, be my hope and peace in this broken world. Give me glimpses Lord – of YOU.”