Coming into Focus

Well, I am about to begin a script for a Rudolph Strategies video. Largely, I have been preparing: collecting my thoughts, getting input, and learning a few small skills. Partially, I have been avoiding it. Last night as I was tinkering around in my brain, I made up a little guideline: if you find that you've talked about doing a thing more than you've actually worked on the thing, it's time to attempt it — whatever stage it may be.

I don't know how I would even apply such a guideline, but it was funny to note the distance between how much I've talked about certain things and how many steps I've actually taken toward accomplishing those things.

I slowly recline into trust and quietness, and my eyes begin to see God's good work coming into focus. I once wrote that Believing is Seeing:

Years ago, I loved the stars; I memorized most of the constellations and could identify them.
Now, I can only find The Big Dipper.
Years ago, I would look into the sky and see familiar forms: Orion, Draco, Ursa Major, and their compatriots.
Now, when I look in the sky, I see a jumble of bright dots.
Back when I believed that the constellations were there, I could see them.
Now that I've forgotten who they are, the sky is just a blur.

It also reminds me of various optical illusions. There are different approaches you take to recognize the hidden images. But that's just it: the images aren't hidden, only unnoticed. There are so many metaphors and allegories and stories that describe this phenomenon, but it slowly makes itself evident in my life.

And then there are the voices: the teachers, the parents, the friends, the enemies, the TVs, the movies, the books, the images, the articles, the news reports—all of these trying to purchase a plot of land in your mind and heart. How many of them ask me to stop and hear His voice? How many of them stand close next to me and extend their arm to point in the direction of His work that continues on patiently and gently whether I see it or not? Very few it seems.

Despite the clamoring voices, despite the vast chasm, despite my heart that tries to cower away into fear, He whispers steadily of His unfailing love.