Having Eyes That See What You're Beholding

Since taking David Molnar‘s class at Allume, my appetite has increased for capturing beauty on my iPhone. And I’ve noticed I see differently.


I most definitely see more, and I spend more time seeing.


Suddenly my eyes are tuned in to things I would previously have overlooked. I know this because I actually pull my Jeep over to take photos in horrid driving conditions when formerly, I’d have been focused on just getting home safely. I also turn around and stop in random places to snap a photo.


Seeing takes time.


I used to give myself only enough time driving to get where I was going. Then when I got behind someone going slow, (which is often the case here) I ended up hurrying everywhere. But now, I try to leave early so I can take different routes. And just in case I want to stop and photograph a red barn against snow-covered pines, or mist hovering over a cold-grey river.


I wonder how much I’ve missed because I haven’t taken time to see.


As snow piles up around us here in our third month of mostly single-digit temps, we are all grumbling a little at the length of this beastly winter. But I am simultaneously stunned at the beauty I see because of the cold and the blowing snow. And I find joy amidst this long wait for spring.


The Bible uses the word, “behold” when there is something wonderful God wants us to pay careful attention to. It’s as if He says, be holding this in your heart.


The NASB translation uses behold 1172 times. Behold is synonymous with: notice; observe; perceive regard; gaze upon; view; discern; watch; contemplate; witness; earmark.


How much have I missed when I haven’t take time to contemplate what I am reading? 


Behold the light peeking through the trees.


Gaze upon the color in the sky.

Look at the way the snow from the plow meets with the wind-driven snow across the open field to create these mountains alongside the road.

Watch how the sun transforms the sky as it sets in the evening. 

Here the circle of yellow fire sends shards of colored light across the white field.

Consider how the worn path over ice-covered roads adds confidence as you drive where you know some have gone before you.

As I take time to behold beauty through the window of my iPhone, I’ve noticed that moments and movement and timing have taken on greater significance.


The marriage of light, temperature, and moisture have drawn me away from hurry.


In order to behold, one must slow down. pause. stop. look. notice.


We can all race through life blind.


Even though our eyes see, we miss the beauty when we hurry. When we miss beauty, we miss joy.


We can all race through life blind with our seeing eyes when we don’t take time to behold beauty.


Is hurry stealing joy from you? Might you linger longer on the journey? Linger longer in His word?


Behold Jesus’ desire for time with you:

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Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and will dine with him and he with Me.


For more beauty, take a peek at my Pinterest board: For the Love of Glory


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