Choosing The Better Window

All that God requires of us is an opportunity to show what He can do. ~A.B. Simpson

Not every window should be left open.

During my two weeks in the south of France I ignored the newspaper, made no plans beyond lunch, and walked the cobblestone streets with carefree joie de vivre.

My what if? and what then? windows were left shuttered, my what’s here? and why not? panes were thrown open wide.

One day a bird flew into my fourth-story room, a symbol of the right here, right now attitude I’d embraced. Embraced because someone else was taking care of me–I was happily dependent on those in charge.

But happily dependent is not my norm. In the wee hours of restless nights I tend to respond to every insistent window tap of worry and concern. I throw open the sash to anxiety, and then fling my pleading prayers at the heavens, only half-believing I’ve been heard. When dawn comes, I marvel at my faithless night-fears.

But later with my morning coffee, I let the news reports sink their teeth in me, bold-inked headlines taunting me to straighten my tilting planet. I pile up oughts and shoulds like poker chips on the table before me–calculating, hedging my bets, plotting and planning until I’ve regained my illusion of control.

If you’re in charge of what you see out the window, you’d better not mess up.

A Window With A Better View

Oh, you weary, misguided soul, lay down your self-sufficiency, and be happily dependent once more. You were never meant to invent yourself, to be strong and stand alone. You weren’t made to measure up to the wisdom-less crowd, to please any set of eyes but His. Throw open the shuttered window and drink in a better view.

“He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Psalm 147:8-11

Who is in charge from your point of view?