By Joy Willis
Spring is such a busy time of year. School is reaching its climax with standardized tests and course finals. Baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. We just celebrated Easter and soon we’ll be celebrating our moms and graduates. This on top of our normal activities of work and school and practice and the list could go on and on.
But there is something else special about spring. Have you noticed the cherry blossoms and dogwoods? Tulips are in full bloom on Green Street. Trees are changing from their winter grey to a lush green. The morning sunrise turns Lake Lanier into a sparkling shade of silver. Gainesville is a beautiful place in the spring!
I hope that during all the busyness you will make time to gaze upon the beauty that is spring and in doing so, your gaze may be lifted upward to the Creator of spring. How often do we gaze at His beauty? If you are like me, I usually come to God with a list of things I need and want from Him. But how often do I just come to Him to soak in His worth and beauty?
David spoke of this idea in Psalm 27 when he said, “One thing I ask of the Lord and this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” According to Timothy Keller in his book, The Songs of Jesus, “Gazing is not a one-time glimpse but a steady, sustained focus. It is not petitionary prayer, but praising, admiring, and enjoying God just for who He is.”
Take some time to today to admire the creative works of our Father found in the beauty of Spring and as you do, let it lead you to gaze upon the beauty of the Creator himself. As the old hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.” Focusing on our Lord helps keep everything else in proper perspective. When we remember how glorious He is, all the things that make our lives so busy just don’t seem quite as pressing. Make time to pause and gaze at Him today.