Streaky Windshields

Scripture

““No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. “So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”” (Luke 8:16-18 NLT)

Streaky Windshields

Last week, Susan and I went for a late afternoon drive in the countryside outside town to enjoy the bright colours of the changing leaves. The low angled sun made the colours vibrant but when I was driving toward it my windshield had streaks that blurred the sun and made seeing the colours impossible.  

I was annoyed with myself because I had just washed the car and thought I had carefully wiped the windshield dry and clean – in normal light it was fine but the powerful afternoon sun illuminated my failure. A day later with the windshield cleaned the view was bright and clear. 

My spiritual windshield gets streaky without my knowing it until reality strikes and my responses are pride, envy, and impatience - not humility, encouragement, and kindness. We’ve just celebrated Thanksgiving and the very process of giving thanks can be a cleanser of our vision. 

Jesus reminds us in his life and words that light shines in the darkness and creates health and hope, vison, and compassion. His rhythms of life were enveloped in giving thanks – he listened deeply to the Father and teaches us to listen and respond in healthy and kind ways. 

A Prayer for Today

Loving God, forgive the smudges on my vision, the accumulations of self-focus and insensitivity to the needs of the world around me. When I sense my inner moves away from your Son’s life and words, nudge me back to clarity of vison, love and compassion  …. For Jesus’ sake