A few years ago I got a new pair of glasses with updated prescription. Inside the building I didn’t notice much change, but when I stepped outside, I was astounded that I could see individual leaves on the bushes and trees. They were no long blobs. I was delighted at the detail that surrounded me.
How much we take for granted with the gradual decline of our senses. We forget the delightful curiosity of childhood when every detail was a charm. Did you ever watch a child whirling Cheerios on his food tray? Did you ever urge him to come along when he wanted to squat down and watch a spider in the walk? Did you ever tell him to hurry when he wanted to blow on dandelions? How much we miss by not looking.
I wonder if Moses was the first shepherd to come within eyesight of the burning bush. Was he the first who God invited to “take off your shoes and listen to me.” Would it be possible for us to go first, take off our shoes and sit a bit just to see what God is doing?
“Earth’s crammed with heaven and every common bush is afire with God; But only he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
If you pluck blackberries, you will may have blackberry pie; if you inquire of the Fire, you may have a miracle. Sadly many of us choose the pie.
Matthew 13:13 “ Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
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I thank my pastor, Darrell Ray, for using the Browning quote in his sermon last Sunday. He ended with the reminder that God’s promise was that He would be present with us “where two or three” are gathered in His name. Therefore, we were standing on holy ground.
Sweet aroma 
Awesome post! I really love that analogy. Blessings and Peace!
Thank you for this kind comment. I accept your blessings.
I was in third grade when I made my own discovery that the leaves on the ground were connected to the trees — at least, for a time! If only my mother hadn’t insisted on my having the pink plaid frames because they were “cute”! Eventually, a growing face meant a change in frames, and I was released from that particular horror.
I remember the pink plaid frames. Sadly they were after I had become me – Plain Jane. I feel for a glass wearer, however, who has no say in what kind of glasses she wears. But it hasn’t hurt your self confidence that I can tell! If you had other issues with a strong and determined mother, I can identify with that kind of mother. But I did like all those beautiful dresses she made for me. I’m sure that was a good thing.
I love this! Great quote, and how convicting for every parent who has ever said, “Hurry up!” My children are grown now, but I walk my dog daily and find myself getting impatient as he wants to sniff everything along the way. (He’s 15 and has lost most of his hearing and eyesight, so smelling is his main sense right now.) Next time I’m tempted to tug on his leash I’ll remember this and just enjoy the experience – the sunshine (or clouds) fresh air, trees, grass, neighbors … God’s presence.
May you and your dog have more satisfying walks when they come wrapped in adventure rather than duty. Thanks for the comment.
Good point about standing on holy ground and being ready to take off one’s shoes.
Thanks, Frank. Faye, (below) says she might find a place and remove her shoes to enjoy the presence of God. I think that is a good idea. I have really thought it would have been a good ending to our church service – but people are not inclined to do un-precedented things like that in churches anymore.
I love the quote and your take on it.
Thank you, Kathy. Find a holy spot and try it out. Or pick a spot and make it holy. 😀
I think my couch has become my holy spot lately. Allergies have forced me away from my garden and the autumn chores that will go undone again this year.
I don’t find a couch prohibited in the scripture. 😀 Sorry about the allergies. They can sure be a bummer. I’ve never been bothered that way, thankfully. Find one of Paul’s pictures and behold it’s beauty. I’m glad you can blog.
Thank you. I’m surrounded by Paul’s art and that really helps. It also helps for me to blog. At least I can voice my opinion and not fear reprisal. I also enjoy reading yours and others.
Great day to you.
Great post. Lots of different aspects to think about. Thank you. I’m going outside right now to sit and look at creation in this still a Spring morning. Sky, trees, broken branches. I may take off my shoes as I pray. Blessings!
Great call to action. I am sure you will enjoy that interlude with the Lord. Thanks for the blessings.
A great word. Thank you, Oneta. 🙂