DIRTY AIR

"Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: 'You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see.'" – Matthew 13:14  
 
The air returns in the ceiling were filthy. More than just needing to be cleaned, there was something intriguing about them. It looked like the alignment of the dirt created a cross. On each one, you could see the similar pattern of a cross.  
 
Wonder how many people noticed this. How many even looked at the ceiling tiles, let alone noticed the shape of a cross on them?  
 
Looking, but not seeing. How often do I do that?  

• Am I simply glancing out the windshield while driving, or am I truly attentive to the traffic around me?  
• Am I busy on my phone while riding the bus or train, or am I aware of the person sitting next to me?  
• Am I in a hurry to complete my task at the shopping mall, or am I enjoying all of the colorful displays?  
• Am I focused on the water spots on the window glass, or am I seeing the magnificent outdoors beyond it?  

 
Instead of being distracted, being caught up in your own thoughts, thinking about the next thing you have to do, or having your “head in your phone,” train yourself to be attentive to the sights and people around you.  

Otherwise, you may miss a message or a lesson from God. As in this case, is it really just dirty air causing stains on the ceiling? Or is God giving you a reminder that He sent His Son to die on a cross because of His love for you?  
 
Good and Gracious God, thank you for all the ways You send me holy reminders throughout the day. May I always be alert to Your presence in your many unexpected ways. Amen.  
 
TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer