Recently my family and I had a great opportunity to travel to Grand Cayman. It was a trip mixed with relaxation and ministry opportunities. One thing that came to mind right away is that God has definitely created some wonderful visuals for us to behold. As we interacted with the people on the island it was apparent that many of those who had grown up in the region were very comfortable with their surroundings. They simply viewed their habitat as the norm and without that sparkle as my family seemed to be experiencing.
One thing that struck me somewhat funny was that some individuals on the island could not even swim! Now, here you are surrounded by water (the island is only 22 miles long and only 4-8 miles wide) and the need to learn how to swim was just not as much of a priority as the rest of their existence. Some who had been on the island for years had never been to the local hotspots that all the tourists go to see. It was not viewed as important or as intriguing as to others. Obviously this is not all encompassing of all the Residents of Cayman, but intriguing none the less.
I remember in my first pastorate in the state of Virginia beholding the mountains that surrounded us. My wife, having never grown up in that type of geography, would just continually marvel at the splendor of the views and changing hues of color as fall would approach. To me and many who were more accustomed to the terrain we found it to be normal and familiar, and even at times unnoticed.
God moved our family from Virginia to Nebraska. We went from those beautiful mountains to a state with a different type of beauty. The open fields and wide horizons offer a different take on God's handiwork. Now we reflect. Now we visualize the mountains and the handiwork of God with a sense of new appreciation. If God were to move us again, I am sure we would do the same about Nebraska.
Sometimes God has to get us moving and get us out of the comfortable regions of our life to get us to behold the real beauty of what He is doing and who He is. Perhaps that is what He is doing in your life. I know He is trying to do that in mine. Get your head up, see the terrain. Behold the hand of the Lord and know that He is God. Rest in Him, and soak up the rays of His sunshine. Do not allow your heart to feel neglected and most certainly do not neglect His so great salvation.
I need to “behold” the beauty like a tourist. I am on a new journey each and every day. My life is to be filled with the beholding of God’s “reason” for my existence. Do not get caught in normalcy. Be caught up in seeing God and what He is doing on your behalf. “Behold” the Lord and that all His works are done in faithfulness (Psalm 33:4).
Scripture Thoughts: Deuteronomy 5:24; 10:14; Psalm 119:18, 40
