Why do I miss seeing what’s right in front of me? Why do we always make things so difficult when the answer often is right in front of us?
I’m short.
I used to be five foot three, but to honest I think I am closer to five foot two now.
But even with my height deficiency I was able to help someone last week.
I was in the grocery store concentrating on my grocery list, pushing the cart up and down the aisles. I wandered lost in my own thoughts, needs and world.
I almost bumped into an elderly lady standing by the boxed potato section, mumbling to herself. I ignored her at first, but she looked me in the eyes and said with exasperation and a deep sigh,
“Why do they put everything up so high?”
“Can I help you?”I asked.
“I can’t reach that box on the top shelf.”
Ha! One shorty asking another shorty for help with the top shelf, that’s funny. I looked around to be sure I wasn’t being filmed for some sort of reality humor show. Never in my life before had I been asked to get something up high for someone; I usually am the one asking.
“Let me try to see if I can reach it.”
Stretching out my arm and standing on my tippy toes, I snagged the box of dried potatoes she wanted. She smiled and thanked me, going on her way.
That is when I saw them.
Two rows of the same boxed potatoes lined up on the shelf all at chin level. What she wanted was actually within easy reach.
I laughed aloud.
Why do we always make things so difficult when the answer often is right in front of us? I miss seeing what is right in front of me.
My mom used to say, “If it was a snake, it would bite you.”
We look for the sunglasses perched on top of our heads or the cup of coffee you know you filled that you accidently put in the refrigerator.
We see a decision or answer to prayer as out of reach, so let the frustration of a far away solution blind us for the real possibilities at hand.
We find it easier to complain than to step back and slowly seek a resolution.
We fixate towards the heavens, hoping the clouds will part and God will reveal His grand plan step by step for our lives in a flashing billboard. Most of the time if we stop and look around, there are needs right in front of us that He is calling for us to fill.
How often do we miss God’s touch in our present reality, thinking He resides in a distant kingdom far from our hearts?
God is right before us, within us, and all around us. God is everywhere, even in the grocery store.
God certainly showed this shorty a lesson that day! No matter our height, look straight ahead and often you will see and find God.
What has God shown you lately?
Love your comment Nancy. Get that journal open.God will show you amazing places He loves to leave His presence.
love connecting with another shorty! My, my you may have tall grandkids. Won’t that be a delight! My SIL is over 6 feet married to my 5 foot 4 daughter. Thanks Lisa!
Thank you Debbie for your kind words and for stopping by today to the blog.
I have had such fun Lynn learning and hearing from other short bloggers. Can’t ever tell over the internet but most of our SDG group is short too! LOL
I agree about spiritual glasses!
“God is everywhere, even in the grocery store.” Oh, yes! He’s in the bird’s song outside my window, he’s in the heart-to-heart talk with my daughter-in-law, and he’s in the exuberant praise of Sunday’s worship. My question shouldn’t be, “I wonder IF God will reveal himself today?” but “How will God manifest himself today?” M-m-m. I think I see a new section of my journal-notebook developing!
I often wish I were taller (I’m 5’2″ also). 🙂 My daughter married a man that is 6’6″, so I often ask him to reach things for me when they’re at my house. God provides answers for us in a variety of ways! Love this, Jean. Thanks for sharing.
wonderful post and great reminder. not all who wander are lost:) we can always find our way back to our center and God. thanks, enjoying your blog!
Oh, such a great post, Jean! I’m 5’4″ so I know about those stretching exercises, sometimes in futility! Sometimes, I wish there were such a thing as spiritual glasses so we could see better!
And if we just open our eyes and our hearts He is right there with us. Thanks for stopping by and reading this today, Mia. May you have a blessed week!
You are funny, Michelle. Glad to hear from another shorty. I didn’t know that from your pic on your blog – as if we would show that, right? I am so glad we connected! Blessings, Jeanie
Dear Jean
Just the joy and peace of living in Him daily is still a miracle to me.
Much love
Mia
Your name isn’t “Wise” for nothin’!! What a great perspective – oh I loved reading this! (And I can relate, because I’m 5’2″ on a good hair day :-)). I love the challenge to see God here and now, not far and distant. I appreciate you!!
Hugs,
Michelle