What do you see when you look at the world around you? Do you see the needs of others, the opportunities to make another’s life a little easier, or do your own wants and needs block your view?
My friend, Tim Riesenberger, posted the following story on Facebook a few days ago which made me think about how I see the world. He was kind enough to let me share it with you:
“One day a wealthy Jewish businessman visited a rabbi to ask the meaning of life. He was confused. He seemed to have everything he needed and wanted: a beautiful loving wife, awesome obedient kids, great job, and a secure retirement, but he still somehow felt empty.
“The rabbi took him to a room with a large glass window that overlooked the streets of Jerusalem. He asked him ‘what do you see?’ The businessman told him: ‘I see men, women, and children, some busy with trade, others on their way to some destination, but many are in need, some are desperately poor, others seem lost and alone.’
“The rabbi then placed a very large mirror in front of him. He asked him to look again and tell him what he saw. ‘I see myself,’ answered the Jewish businessman.
“Then the rabbi told him: ‘Both the window and the mirror are simple panes of glass, however the mirror has a very small amount of silver added to the back. All of us in life begin as panes of glass, God has given us His grace to be able to see and meet the needs of those around us. However, it only takes a little silver added to our lives to cause us to be blinded to others around us and only see ourselves.”
“Has the window of your soul turned to silver glass?
Once only through this life we all must pass.
Can they see the silver that’s blocking your view?
Or do others behold the Savior? The choice is up to you.”
Without Jesus in our lives, “we see only a reflection as in a mirror” (1 Corinthians 13:12), but when His love fills our hearts our eyes are opened and “then we shall see face-to-face.”
I pray that today God will remove “the silver that’s blocking your view” so His love can shine on others through you.