Recently, as I reminisced about my youth, I recalled when I was introduced to the music of Amy Grant. My beloved mentors, Dara and Susan, shared her music with me; and I played it nonstop. One song that captured my attention was “Father’s Eyes.” And how fitting this month to reflect on that song. Both of my parents have hazel eyes, so I guess I do have my earthly father’s eyes. More importantly, I want to have my Father’s eyes (that is, capital “F”).
One of the ways we can see through our Father’s eyes is to “find the good in things when good is not around.” This simply has to do with perspective. It is natural to focus on the negative when circumstances are challenging and difficult. Yet, when we focus on circumstances, we can easily lose sight of what is important. Be intentional about finding the blessings in life.
To make it personal, if I routinely see my life in this way, I can easily become miserable and negative. I can see negativity everywhere. However, if I change my perspective and purposefully look for the good, I will change. (Did you notice the personalization? “I” change.) The circumstances may not necessarily change—but “I” do.
How can I do this when life seems so difficult? May I encourage you to look for the blessings in the difficulty? Even in the most desperate of circumstances, when everything seems to go wrong, I have learned through the years that if I look at the blessings, my outlook changes. It does not happen quickly. Over time, you can see the good. They may not be grandiose but small. My favorites: A child’s smile or laughter and the sound of Canada geese flying overhead. To me, these are beautiful life blessings. The hymn, “Count Your Blessings,” is a reminder that we have more than we recognize.
Seeing through our Father’s eyes is finding “the source of help when help just can’t be found” and having “eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain / Knowin’ what you’re going through, and feeling it the same.” Linking these lyrics encourage us to show love. Basically, it is being concerned with the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).
Showing compassion with our Father’s eyes may be easier with a family member or close friend. And it can also be challenging. The privilege of serving in ministry has given my family multiple opportunities to encourage, teach, and equip others through difficult and desperate situations. We have met with and counseled individuals and families facing deep loss and adversity. These encounters allow us to share their experiences, which make us a part of their lives. It provides a connection that becomes a treasure. Selfless giving enriches life.
So, whose eyes do you have? How do you see your life and your world? Having our Father’s eyes is finding the good in circumstances instead of focusing on difficulties. It is being a source of help to those in need.
Desiring to live a life seeing through our Father’s eyes is ongoing and takes time. It is not an overnight transformation. And, admittedly, this way of life is not easy. There are times in which we struggle to find the positive, or we want to just be left alone. I encourage you to find someone to walk with you—a way to make a treasured connection and a trusted friend. Though we fall, we can get back up and try again. “Two is better than one. . . For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Our connections challenge this week: Intentionally look for the blessings (in the good times and in the difficult times), and make it a practice. The blessings can be found. Extend a helping hand. Buy lunch for someone who may be hurting. Smile or speak a word of encouragement to people you meet.
We may not realize the difference we can make in someone’s life today by performing a simple random act of kindness. Someone may one day tell you that you have your Father’s eyes.
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