Lift Up Thine Eyes

Norman Rockwell has a painting titled “Lift Up Thine Eyes.” Shown in his painting is the magnificent entrance to an urban cathedral. Vaulted high above its carved gothic doors are statues of the prophets, apostles, and martyrs. Right in the center is Jesus, sitting on a throne at the right hand of God. On the sidewalk below the cathedral, you can see the busy throngs of people moving amidst the noise and fumes of cars and taxis. You can tell that the pastor of the church has just finished changing the public bulletin board. The sign, reads: “Lift Up Thine Eyes!”

The irony, of course, is in the scene below. Each person in the passing crowd is caught up in their own thoughts. No one looks up. Most appear gloomy, harried, and depressed. They hurry on with eyes glued to the pavement. Some are lugging their briefcases like millstones.

What a picture! It really raises the question: How often are we just running through the day, and we miss the glory of God right in front of our eyes. Today, I pray for each of us the frame of mind to look up and look around. There is great beauty, and miracles abound, if only we have eyes to see. May we notice the holy, the sacred, and the Divine even in the midst of the ordinary.

Let us pray: Almighty God, may we experience your presence today in the laughter of a friend, the smile of a child, the feel of a gentle breeze, the tolling of church bells, the pattern of the clouds against the sky, the brilliance of the stars, or in the gift of a simple meal shared with a loved one. As we notice, may we rejoice and give thanks. Amen.