Looking Out The Window
By Dot Bowen
And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-3 (ESV)
Jesus taught us there is much to be learned from children. I recently learned a life lesson from my 10-year-old grandson, Charlie. He taught me how to enjoy the beauty of my surroundings. One of Charlie’s responsibilities is to make a list of everything he needs to do each day. One task Charlie always includes on his list is time to look out the window. Looking out the window is top priority for Charlie. When I see him gazing out the window, I pray God will protect his innocent heart from the very world he loves to see. Unfortunately, I’m afraid if I were to look out the window, I would see dirt on the glass and be reminded the windows need to be cleaned. Charlie sees a beautiful yard with green grass, and I see weeds. He sees cars zooming by full of fun people, and I see traffic. Charlie sees the beauty of God’s creation, and I force myself not to focus on the ugliness in the world. Charlie has a heart to see God. If I’m to see the world through the heart of God, then I must come to Him as a child. And then I would enjoy looking out the window like Charlie.
I’ve learned something else from Charlie—the importance of slowing down, if only to look out the window. When was the last time you interrupted your day to notice the grass or watch the birds? Can you imagine scheduling time to pause and look out the window this Christmas season? If you find yourself worried and stressed because you are trying to be everything for everyone, take time to look out the window. Don’t take Charlie’s word for it, ask Jesus. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” When I watch Charlie, it’s obvious that sweet boy isn’t worried about anything except enjoying life. I’m beginning to understand the importance of reflecting on God’s greatness by taking time to actually see what’s outside the window.
We will soon celebrate the birth of Christ—when Jesus became a child. God looked out the window of heaven and knew our only hope was to send His Son to rescue the hearts of His children. I can’t imagine where I would be today if Jesus hadn’t come to earth as a child. One thing is for sure, I wouldn’t ever have the hope of calling God my Father if Jesus hadn’t come. On the night Jesus was born, shepherds saw angels rejoicing over the birth of our Savior and the glory of God shone all around them. The wise men looked up and followed the star that led them to Jesus. Imagine what they would have missed had they been too busy to look up!
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This Christmas, I’m going to heed the lesson I learned from the heart of a child. If you want this to be the best Christmas, take a break and enjoy the beauty outside your window. You never know what or whom you might see that will bring you God’s quietness and peace. There are only two weeks before Christmas, and I’m certain your list is growing at an alarming rate. Charlie and I would like to encourage you to be very intentional to put “a time to pause” on your to-do list and reflect on Jesus, the child that was born in Bethlehem. Then go look out the window and enjoy the Christmas lights as a reminder a child has been born!
Further Reading Matthew 6:25-34; Isaiah 9:6; Psalm 46:10