The View From Above

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a church womens' ministry event a few weeks ago. There were many ladies in attendance. From where I sat, I could look across the room and see that there was a great turnout. I could stand up and see a bit more detail. I could walk among these ladies as we viewed the wide variety of beautifully decorated tables and see even more clearly that there were a lot of women here.

But it was not until I had the honor of walking up on the stage to lead the closing prayer that I really saw, literally, at a whole new level.

My view from above showed the full reality.

Looking out at all the lovely ladies, I could see the whole picture. A lot more ladies there than I realized! Each smiling face represented one part of a community of love in the room. Love for God and for each other.

Wow. What a difference walking up and looking out can make.

And while my former self would have not enjoyed the revelation that I would be praying over many more than I thought, the self God has been busy curating for some time was awed by the knowledge that I was chosen to talk to Him on behalf of so many.

It was an experience I won't soon forget.

The vantage point from which we view our corner of the world paints the picture we see. And sometimes we are gifted with a view from above.

But other times, our perception becomes skewed as we allow ourselves be entangled in so many distractions at street level, when there's this open staircase right beside us, softly but firmly proclaiming a new upward path to achieve a view that better aligns with the truth.

I know I need to climb those stairs much more often. I do that by lifting my eyes and stepping up to commune with God through prayer and His Word, and at times also seeking feedback from trusted sources who might see a different view of my situation.

When I choose to take these stairs, I find that I am lifted up and away from the fray of all that wants to keep me from seeing and experiencing what really matters. Up and away from my tendency to see myself in the center and life revolving around me, when there is a vast and glorious and entirely different view for me to enjoy. Up and away from what I can do, to what He can do.

Up and away to a peace and beauty only He can give.