Driving through the countryside at this time of year is beautiful. Trees are stunningly displaying the creativity of our Maker. Looking at these trees can bring sweet comfort, knowing that all too soon the earth will covered with a bitterly cold blanket. I was staring at the beauty of our maple tree a few days ago, when suddenly I felt the urge to sit under it. While sitting there amidst the leaves, everything took on a new color. By changing my position and perspective, the colors were even more radiant. So many more senses were being engaged. The world looked completely different through the orange colored sift of the leaves.

A thought occurred to me.

*

There is a big difference between looking at something

and looking from within something.

… like looking at a lake, rather than being in it.

…like looking at a tower, rather than being on it.

…like looking at a person, rather than having compassion.

…like looking at God, rather than being in Him.

Maybe we should take the Lord at His word when He calls us to be IN Him.

Maybe, we too often look at Him, rather than through Him.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

“Lord,

teach me to be in You.

Help me to see this world through Your eyes,

feel with Your compassion, and love with a love

that only comes from being in You.

In You … there is no a better place to be.”