Crosses Everywhere
Published by Theresee on Tue, 12/13/2011 - 3:22pm
By: Perry Benson
Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Most CIC members agree that prayer is the right way to start the day. Many also agree that one of our challenges is to maintain that prayerful spirit throughout the day – avoiding getting derailed by the variety of obstacles we face, deadlines, conflicting viewpoints, etc. But there are reminders all around us of the price Jesus paid for us and the victory he demonstrated – there are crosses everywhere.
I'm not speaking just of the crosses we see on church steeples or the ones we may hang in our homes. For instance, there are crosses throughout my house – on every paneled door and in the dividers between every windowpane. Outside, there are crosses on each telephone pole. A tree at the on-ramp stretches out two branches like the arms of Christ the King. At the gym I look up and see an air duct in the form of a cross. These days, I'm looking for crosses everywhere and finding them, both in the works of man and the works of nature.
Each time, I'm reminded of the price Jesus paid for me. I give thanks that he walked me out of the land of the dead into the land of the living; that he has given me brothers and sisters to walk with me. Each cross brings to mind my prayer time that morning, what guidance and wisdom the Lord offered, and what he asked of me. Even if I don't find a cross in a certain place, just the act of looking brings those same blessings because I know the Lord is always with me, even when I don't see him.
Like a lot of men, I'm very visual. Too often in the past, I've let my eyes lead my thoughts in the wrong direction. Now, I'm asking my mind to direct my eyes, so that they open me up to the ever-present power of the Spirit; and the Spirit offers this peaceful message, “This is the way; walk in it.”
TAKE THE CHALLENGE: Start using your eyes to search for crosses – or some other simple shape (❍, ▲, ❏, etc.) – that reminds you of God's love, his mercy and his plan for you. Use these sightings to help keep in mind your morning prayer.