is it really that bad?

"But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away... So all who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image." 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT

The description of her neighbor's front yard was unbelievable...  2 trailers, extra trash bins, odd pieces of wood, cut down trees, knee-high weeds and more. While it sounded like a snake pit, i couldn't really imagine it being all that bad.  However, riding by later, i witnessed an overwhelming pile of clutter in the front yard.  When i told my husband and showed him pictures, he responded, "Is it really that bad?" Well... i knew the answer.  Sometimes we must see with our own eyes to actually "see" the situation for what it is.

Through the media we're exposed to countless heartbreaking circumstances.  Yet the full impact of the situation doesn't always sink in. At times it appears we have fuzzy filters over our eyes, obstructing or skewing our view of reality. It's almost like watching a movie; we're briefly affected, and then we move on unless we witness it with our own eyes.  We find downplaying the seriousness, pain or desperation of a situation easier, if we are not personally affected.

Father, i pray to see the world and others through Your eyes. Let my heart break for what breaks Yours.  When we haven't walked in the shoes of others, we tend to fall short in understanding them and their circumstances. Yet, You, our all-knowing God, comprehend their situation fully. So, Father, when we haven't walked in their shoes, place our feet on top of Yours so we might feel and know the Truth as You do.  Fill my heart, and shoes, with less of me and more of You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal