Eyes Wide Open

And I am back.

This day is no different than any other. I have gone through the same motions, through the same routine. I'm barely awake through my shower, I run to catch the bus, and I greet my students. We dance, we sing to get our morning started right. I teach a room full of eager faces. I'm starting to wake up - starting to see again...why I'm doing all of this. I'm doing this to serve Him.

And the truth is, sometimes I forget. I get caught up in small things. I forget to look around. I have tunnel vision. But then, on my bus ride home - I sit next to a man whose hand is wrapped in a towel, blood soaking through. And my vision starts to clear. We don't exchange words, but I pray for him. I look out the window and I see poverty all around, and I pray. Walking from the bus to my house, I see kids looking through trash for something to eat. I invite them to my house and offer them what I can. And when they run off, I pray.

And I ask myself where is God in all of this mess? And I know. My heart knows the answer - God is right here. God is right here with us. And He knows. This pain is not comparable to the pain that He must have felt when He gave his Son for us. But that love is the love we live on every day. His love. His love is what clears my vision. He is using me. And that is enough.

Today, I have my face in the dirt. I am bending down at the feet of Jesus. Thank you Father, for the reminders, the opportunities you offer to me.

Praying for you, as you bend today for whoever and whatever is in front of you. He will meet you there.