Through God's Eyes

"You can't take anything with you, except the love. The love I have for you..."

When I try looking at people through God's eyes, this song by VAST comes to mind. I want this song played at my funeral. Everyone is so beautiful through His eyes, and when I allow myself to be open enough to have even the possibility to catch a glimpse of what He sees...it's an indescribable feeling.

The most beautiful woman I ever met was a few weeks ago while skating to work. We crossed paths on State St before reaching 18th, heading east on the left-hand side of the road. I can't admit to deliberately choosing to put God first that morning, but I was in a place that I cannot usually find when I am actually trying to. It's hard to describe. I wasn't thinking about it, I just experienced it. I was so excited that morning to be listening to music through my new headphones (which sound amazing) and excited to be able to do something that I enjoy so much and are able to use it to get me to a place that pays me enough to allow me to continue enjoying it some more.

This woman gave me the most genuine smile I have ever seen. I have no idea who she was, and by society's standards, her crooked teeth and "drug-like" appearance say that she is worthless and ugly. In the split-second or so that we shared a moment's eye-contact and smile, I saw a genuineness and pure loveliness that I have very rarely experienced before; almost like a wink from someone you are talking to let you know that you are included in the conversation and are the only two who know the meaning behind what was just said. It's a moment in time that only the two of you share, understand and comprehend. My only fear is that I was not able to give her a smile that expressed the same things she had given me.

The closest example I can think of to help better describe an experience like this was the day after Preview at Boise Bible College that I was allowed to participate in. I have never experienced the presence of God with a collective of people like that before, or since. It was, in simple terms, magical. I get to carry that feeling with me for the rest of my life.

While it's true that we cannot take anything with us when we die, I truly hope that I am able to convey the love I have for everyone around me and pray that they are able to take that love and use it to take them to places they never dreamed they could go.

What is yours? Mine is mine. Let's share!

I am feeling very philosophical this morning and I've been having a fantastic night talking out my thoughts with the walls and with God. It's a good morning to be alive. Here is just one of my conversations:

Can't figure out what your 'specialty' or 'gift' from God is? You know, the gifts that God has given you; the talent He has possessed in you for His purposes? Neither can I. I just go where I am lead and where I think I should go. And, unfortunately, most of the time, where I want to go. I know that God is leading me there, or, at the very least, waiting for me there. If my specialty is only in a smile to a friend or a stranger, then so be it. If it is only in listening to you when you are in need, then so be it. If it is only in following you to help support you with your desires, then so be it. If it is only in helping to lead you to calmer waters where we can be surrounded with peace, then so be it. If it is only in planting that seed, not sowing it, or even watching it grow, then so be it. It matters not what we want our gifts to be. It matters only what we do with what we already have and what we have already been given.

If you are reading this, then you have been, or are a part of my life (and always will be, truthfully) even if just for a little while. Know that your specialty is greater and grander than you and I will ever know. So is my own. Walk with me, talk with me, sing with me, dance with me, love with me, work with me, play with me, laugh with me, cry with me, pray with me. I love you. And so does He.

What will you do with what you have today? I can't say I know the answer, or that I will even be a good example for anyone to follow. But, I will endure, and I will succeed. I will follow His love and discover, someday soon, His plan for me.