"Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth you have for me
Open my eyes, illumine me
Spirit Divine."
~Clara H. Scott
Our church is about to embark on a summer emphasis of "Open My Eyes", a way of encouraging people to stay awake to the experience of God in their travels, vacations, time at the lake, whatever summer holds for them. The theme originally started with the idea of focusing on the environment, how we are stewards of Creation, being 'green'. It will continue to do that but in the process of evolving has become so much more.
In conversation with a nature photographer who will join us at the end of June, I was struck with something he said. I had asked him to do a presentation about how to take good pictures of the natural world. He said, "Well, I can tell people what kind of camera to use and how to use it. But all that means nothing if you can't see, really see."I hung up from that conversation and immediately began to think about his statement. I, of course, knew he was exactly right. I think of the photographs I have seen that are lovely but somehow are lacking something. While others seem to capture the essence, the spirit, of a moment that draws me in, that touch something deep inside me, make me feel as if I was truly there when the image was captured. Those kind of pictures require a presence and an ability to see, deeply see the fullness of any given image. Can this ability be taught? Is it something anyone can do or is it only for the 'gifted'? Time will tell, I suppose, but hopefully this talented photographer will help those who are interested to develop their gifts for seeing which may result in some amazing photography for them to share at summer's end.
Whether it is photography or simply the ability to be more fully present to God's movement in our every day lives, seeing begins with intention. Is my intention to be present to the fullness this day brings? Or is it simply a matter of getting through one meeting, one project, one load of laundry to find myself watching the 10:00 news, the day ended? Some days play out like that. But if our intention is to live with an awareness of traveling with the Sacred through the day, then opening our eyes becomes imperative. This wide-eyed walk will carry with it not only the beauty of faces and places we love but also the struggle and challenge of those who rub us like sandpaper. It will also allow us to see the person standing at the corner, sign in hand, as the face of God in our midst and that can bring as much pain as compassion. Living with our eyes wide open will not always bring joy but it will, I believe, bring us in deeper connection with the One who walks with us and with all we encounter. Living with our eyes wide open deepens our hearts, our minds and our spirits.
The old hymn by Clara Scott, written in 1895, still carries with it a profound longing. And so I am not troubled at all that it has become a tune that has been playing through my head at the oddest times, sometimes when I least expect it. 'Open my eyes that I may see. Glimpses of truth you have for me.' It has become a prayer, a traveling prayer.
May each of us make our way into the world today, full of intention to see, really see. And in our seeing may we know truth. A truth that will,perhaps, change us and help to heal the world.