Have you ever spent time searching for your glasses only to find them on top of your head? In the same way, we often miss the opportunities and blessings that are right in front of us. Sometimes we miss a ministry opportunity because we are looking for something in the spotlight rather than recognizing that sometimes the most significant and lasting ministry takes place out of the lime light or behind the scenes. Sometimes we miss a chance to show kindness to our next door neighbor. Or, in our rush to get a promotion, we miss the impact that a life of character will have on an impressionable youth who is watching how we do life. In our desire to be like one of our heroes, we may neglect to operate in the gift that God has given us to make our personal imprint on the world. Ultimately, if we are truly going to see the blessings and opportunities of God, we must always be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes we don’t want to see something that is right in front of us because if we see it we will have to do something. So often people refuse to see Jesus because then they will have to either stand with Him or stand against Him. It is easier to simply pretend that we don’t see what is there right before us. Sometimes we miss what is in right in front of us because we are looking past it.  Have you ever been out shopping and while you were thinking about what you were going to do next you walked right by someone you knew? You missed them because you were looking past them. It happens in life all the time. We become so focused on making a big impact in one place that we miss the significant impact we can make right where we presently are.

Pay Attention. Open your eyes to what is in front of you. God may be working and providing an opportunity, or extending a blessing to a hurting soul.   At this time of year, many people feel overlooked and depression is widespread. You might be the person God has chosen to show someone that they are valuable. How amazing it would be if we let people know that we notice them. The key is not to have them see you but to see the love of God in you that loves them just the same. Don’t become too busy to see what is right in front of you. Don’t shut God out of your life and go through your days as if Jesus will not show up. Jesus is the One who has time for us even when we don’t have time for Him. Jesus is the One who is looking for us even if we are not looking for Him.  He is the One who will replace our sadness with joy.  If you have eyes, see the hand of God working in and through your life. The evidence is right in front of you.