This Saturday morning, I am standing in front of my church to direct visitors to a vaccination clinic we’re hosting. During a lull, I turn to admire the beloved red-brick building I’ve entered and exited hundreds of times over more than three decades.
As I look up, I notice a stone tablet sitting high at the top of each of the two stately pillars at the entrance. Each tablet is inscribed with scripture—one is Psalm 27:1; the other is John 3:16. I’m amazed I’ve never noticed the tablets before.
Maybe I’ve not seen them because I’m often rushing in or out and I fail to slow down enough to take in my surroundings. Also, I rarely stand still at the entrance, so I don’t have the viewpoint needed to see what’s up above me.
I’ve had the same experience when reading a familiar passage of Scripture. It can be the creation story in Genesis, the Israelites leaving Egypt in Exodus, or the miracles of Jesus in Matthew. When I slow down and take time with the passage, often something different catches my eye. I may read in a new version or be in the midst of a trial. Jesus uses both to change my perspective and open my eyes to see in a new way. In the process, I spiritually grow and mature.
I’ve learned that I can meet Jesus through the scriptures and through my life experiences. He is there to give new sightings of Himself in myriad ways. I just need to be on the lookout for it and look up.
—Barbranda Lumpkins Walls
