image by DaVinci
Decades back, Wayne and I yearned to be the next stellar photo/journalist pair, and headed to Yosemite for material. He’d take the pics; I’d write the copy. You’ve heard of us, right? Yeah, thought so. On the long ride up, Wayne mentioned he saw every scene for its potential picture value. I thought that diminished one’s appreciation of creation’s beauty, so we chewed on it a bit. He didn’t convince me, until I started writing in earnest, much later.
Now, most events get evaluated for their spiritual importance. Will it work as a jumping off point for “Unconventional”? Does it have the potential for a book, or an article, or an example in either? What does it hint about God? I discovered Wayne had it right. In looking for spiritual significance I find spiritual significance. Significance that the event genuinely has, but that I wouldn’t have seen without looking for it. Years ago, in an attempt to drive safe, we considered buying a Volvo. A slow tank, but a safe one. All of a sudden, I noticed all these previously unseen Volvos on the road!
I’m convinced that looking for “God touches” in life will deepen our spiritual life. We become more aware of previously unseen touches by God. A verse from James1:17 turned me on to this principle: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” If it’s good, it comes from God. That builds not only an awareness but an appreciation of God’s involvement in daily life. Those two build a deeper connection to God’s grace and love. We all win.
Another verse in Romans reinforced the concept of enmeshing God in every event of life. After a long discussion on a theological and practical subject, Paul concludes, “everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Or, faith should impact all we do and see and think. Or photograph. Or write about.
Of course, not all cars on the road are Volvos. Not all events are gifts from God. We need a discerning eye, one trained by experience. But we often need to look for the hand of God before we can see it.
For the last couple of weeks, I’ve tried to make my first conscious thought, “God, thanks for the day, where you…” and I’ll then fill in the blanks. Not long or extensive, it just seems to set my mind on how good he is.
Kick Starting the Application
Do you regularly look for God touches? How would you define them? What keeps you from doing so more regularly? As you look for God touches, what most amazes you? Think of some of those touches you experienced, but didn’t realize God was behind it then. How did that impact you?