Imagine your first meeting. The first instance you needed to pick them out of a large group of people or find them as they interacted with a large number of people at a function, or even walk up to them blind on the street and say “hello” as one usually does when greeting a stranger that you want to know better. Is there something you would go looking for? What type of identification would you like; clothes, hair, skin color, shoes, and or height?
When I think of the people I know well, I do not think of any external mark or characteristic. I find myself identifying them, even when I am looking for them in a crowded place. Most common is the look in their eyes; it is something that I find unique in almost everyone I know. The second thing is emotion carried on their face; I find myself attracted to people taking on the world, not just accepting what happens to them as resigned fate. The other aid is the how and what they say. I find myself not looking for a specific sound; rather I listen carefully at words of compassion, excitement, acceptance, vibrancy, and hope.
The ways that one is identified always changes from the first impressions. Externals never carry the day. The fact is that “a wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one’s reputation.” (Proverbs 16.21) Attention to the words that are used is a reflection on the way that one expresses their view of others.
This approach works for people and for God. Initially I saw God as others painted him; now as I look back I find myself puzzled as to what I thought I was looking at! God is very different from my first impressions. I do not think God changed in the middle; instead, I continued and continue to take time in looking for his words, thoughts, and actions in life.
Today I am going to look for God in fresh ways; discovering and experiencing everything that he does is life itself!
