Amazing Attention

Recently, I had surgery. Not a huge deal...just a little gallbladder problem. I am feeling much, much better, but still recovering. During the time I was required to stay home and recuperate, I received a basket of flowers from my co-workers. I don't think they had any idea how this lovely gift would entertain me, but I spent hours gazing at the beauty of the blooms that brightened the coffee table in my family room. No television show or book held my attention as long as these beauties.

I was too tired to speak to anyone for any length of time. Reading tired me; plus the drugs I was taking didn't really allow for that amount of concentration and I just have to say it, I despise television - even when I am ill.

So, I would sit and stare. Then I would see something and move just a little closer.

And even closer, realizing how different things looked when I examined closely.

The detail, the texture. Never mind the fragrance - that was there too, but what really captivated me was the intense detail of each flower, each petal.

And I wondered, does God look at me this closely? Certainly He does. He knows everything about me and He still loves me.

There have been times I have thought of myself or others as "speck inspectors"...
looking at all the little things in others and pointing out any tiny fault or character flaw. (even if only in my head)

Do we look that closely when we are examining the positive qualities of others? Do I know my husband's and childrens' loveliness as well as I know their quirks?

If I don't, I plan to now. Because I realized while I was investigating every inch of these flowers that the beauty far outweighed the pollen that threatened my nose or the petals that dropped onto the table.