Window to the Soul

Ephesians 1:18-19a
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

Due to COVID-19 rules, all the spectators wore masks in the gym.

The fifth-grade boys ran up and back, shot baskets, and defended their team. We cheered them as they played hard. Tim and I especially enjoyed the enthusiasm of one of the grandparents. She said she played ball back in the day, and I could tell she loved cheering for her grandson.

A week later in a different gym, we sat at the top, away from most everyone. But after the game, I saw the grandma we sat near the week before. Even though we wore our masks, I could see the smile in her eyes. She waved and pumped her hands in the air because she saw me as a co-conspirator and cheerleader for our team. But her eyes told the story. They shared joy, recognition, and excitement.

In our mask wearing society, I’ve noticed peoples’ eyes more. Some look weary and sad, some happy and smiling, while others stare into the distance hoping for better days.

Some say the eyes are the window to the soul.

Paul prayed for the Ephesian church, that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened to hope in Jesus. What do my eyes reflect? Hope—or despair and sadness. As a believer in Jesus, I’m called to show the Lord to the people around me. I pray my eyes glimmer with hope, kindness, and love, for those are the things God asks me to carry in my heart.

Eyes express genuine feelings and reflections of the heart. What do our eyes show others? Confidence? Contentment? Anger? Fear? Peace? Love?

With your eyes as the window to your soul, what will you show the folks you meet?

Three Choices

Ephesians 6:18-20
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

When someone I love is sick, when finances stress me out, when I've sinned, or when life just stinks— I have three choices.

1. Worry and fret. 2. Ignore the situation. 3. Pray.

Sad to say, I sometimes attack the problem using choices 1 and 2 before I get to number 3. I know better. But too often there is so much noise in the world, not necessarily verbal noise,  but so much going on that I push myself away from the one who can help. I don't stop to think about what I need or the person I should be praying for needs. Instead, I fall into the trap of doubt and fear.

Truth is, Jesus wants me to call on him instead of worry. He wants me to call on him instead of hiding. He wants me to call on him and trust him to answer.

This year I've made an effort, when someone requests prayer, to stop at that moment and send up thoughts to God. I've done better, but I still get distracted and forget. But that doesn't mean I'll stop trying. The apostle Paul asked the folks in the Ephesian church to pray for him. He needed their intercession. I want to throw out a challenge to anyone reading this. This week in everything you do, every person you hear of who needs prayer, every situation—pray first. I'll be doing it too. I believe prayer makes all the difference in our daily lives.

If you'd like me to pray for you. Please, let me know.