Past the Obvious to the Hidden Details

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The scenic overlook just south of Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies was a welcome respite from the constant weaving in and out between and around the big and little vehicles on I-35. From the quiet spot on top of the hill, I saw other travelers speeding on their way.

I-35

 

The vast blue sky, the ruddy rocks, the green trees, . . .

Oklahoma Landscape

. . . and the thousands of sunflowers were obvious features of the beautiful landscape.

Oklahoma Fence 1

I also noticed evidence of farming and wondered if it was current or perhaps from long ago.

Oklahoma Fence 2

As I strolled around, I began to see less obvious features: purple flowers and cactus and these tiny white blossoms.

Tiny White Blossoms

In a bare spot, I saw this ant hill.

Ant Hill

On closer inspection, I noticed that the sunflowers faced west toward the afternoon sun.

Sunflowers face the sun.

Many times when an adult greets a child, he seems to notice only the most obvious features: her long blonde hair, the design on his T-shirt, his height, her missing front tooth . . . .

Even parents have a hard time seeing past the obvious in our children sometimes. Sometimes it’s hard to see the budding artist beneath the struggling math student or the tender compassion beneath the messy little tornado — or even the insecurity beneath the A+ student.

Our loving Father takes care of the whole wide world while caring about the lilies and the birds. Sometimes we need to grab our glasses or even our binoculars to see past the obvious to the hidden details of our precious children.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalm 139:17-18

 

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2 Comments

  1. Lovely! I used to Pin some of your posts to read over during times of discouragement. I don’t notice a “pin” button anymore….have you opted to not allow “pins” anymore?

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