The List – Turned Around

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sunrise, fog, June 27th, 2013 024

The list I held in my hand grew longer with each moment I sat in the car.

I was about to walk into the store and tried to think of anything that did not make it on the list.

I sensed anxiety trying to make its way up from my stomach into my heart as I sat and compared the list with the money in my wallet.

Then, I remembered to pray.

I turned the list around.

A prayer made its way from my pen

onto the blank space on the back of the list.

Another list grew

-A list of loved people in my life whom I hadn’t prayed for as I should have

-A list of hurts and pains

-A list of compassion and love

-A list of things that mattered

The back of the list became suddenly the front of the list.

A deep awareness of God’s presence moved in.

Tears blurred my vision to the stuff that did not matter.

*

“Father,

forgive me for running after the things I can’t take with me.

Forgive me for putting things in the front and people in the back.

Help me to turn it around. You ask me to care as Jesus did.

Help me to see people today, not the things I think I need.

Continue to blur my vision to things with tears of compassion for people.”

26 responses to “The List – Turned Around”

  1. Heidi Viars Avatar

    thanks, Marty, for your visit! What a blessing to be reading at your blog! Isn’t amazing how He makes Himself known when we seek Him? Let’s pray He will help us to keep our eyes and hearts open to people rather than things …. Blessings to you on your journey with Him 🙂

    Like

  2. msinop1 Avatar

    This is wonderful and thought provoking; a moment of sadness turned around only by God’s grace and turned into a moment of gratitude and reflection. Thank you for sharing, I shared on my Facebook page where I hope it touches many, and leads them to gratitude and reflection as well!! Peace & Blessings Marty (msinop1.wordpress.com)

    Like

  3. godspoetbychoice Avatar

    Wow I am speechless what a wonderful blog and a great message all to often we get it backwards don’t we- May the Lord bless you for all the support you give to me and others I am so blessed that you do reach out to me from blog land.

    Like

    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Dearest Jennifer, I think while we share often only little slices of our lives, we can still pray and encourage one another to keep our eyes on Jesus 🙂 you do that so wonderfully intentionally at your blog …. and I really appreciate that! Be blessed… I pray you get better very soon!

      Like

  4. carolynrice Avatar

    what a beautiful post

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      what a beautiful God 🙂

      Like

  5. blmaluso Avatar

    Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thank you for reading 🙂

      Like

  6. dianarasmussen Avatar

    I love this “Forgive me for putting things in the front and people in the back.” Me too Lord, me too. What a Holy Spirit moment, thank you for sharing it with us. You are such a blessing Heidi!

    Like

    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thanks, Diana, for blessing those on your path with your love for the Lord and encouragement!

      Like

  7. pattisj Avatar
    pattisj

    You managed to make extraordinary God-time in an ordinary day. Nice photos, great subjects.

    Like

    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      If we can just remember that He is with us all the time and that each day is an extraordinary day with Him 🙂 Thanks for blessing me with your comment!

      Like

  8. heavenlyraindrops Avatar

    I love your heart for the Lord, Heidi. It oozes out of you into your writing and photos!

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      His heart for us is so amazing, isn’t it?!!! Hope your week will be a good one! oh, here is a bouquet for you … a bunch of coneflowers 🙂

      Like

      1. heavenlyraindrops Avatar

        How lovely! And how sweet. Thanks, Heidi. What a thoughtful photo gift!

        Like

  9. bennetta faire Avatar

    Wow, this is fabulous! God bless you.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thank you, Benetta, for stopping in. God’s blessings to you as well 🙂

      Like

  10. Debbie Avatar

    Thank you, Heidi, for sharing this beautiful moment with us. Praying with you! God bless you!

    Like

    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Dearest Debbie, thanks for reading 🙂 I wrote this a while back, but I have to remind myself often! Love to you!

      Like

  11. Patty Perkins Avatar

    “…the back of the list became suddenly the front…” I LOVE this! A good reminder to keep it all in perspective. Thank you!

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thanks, Patty, I forget to ask God to help me to see people the way He sees them… but when I ask Him, He always answers… and I find myself blessed 🙂 Yes, keeping it in perspective is a good idea!

      Like

  12. cottageonstrawberry Avatar

    Heidi this is so lovely. What a blessing and conviction. Reality as it should be for every Christian.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      I get confused often and put things before people … Let’s remember how much God loves people. Thanks, Liana!

      Like

  13. thesanctuaryofmyheart Avatar

    As always, beautiful. Thank you. This was perfect for me today. xxxx Skye

    Like

    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thanks, Skye, for reading and commenting … be blessed this week!

      Like

      1. thesanctuaryofmyheart Avatar

        You as well, Sweet Friend!

        Like

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