Yesterday I started reading Mary Beth Chapman's book, Choosing to SEE.
On FB I posted this: "Amazing, heart-wrenching, humorous, inspiring, transparent, beautiful." I also mentioned a recommendation to be prepared with tissues and preparing to be changed.
The book is about a journey. There were parts where I laughed (cackled ?) out loud and also huge portions where I cried real tears, sobbing and wiping my eyes, sniffling. The death of the Chapman's 5 year-old daughter in a tragic accident is the center of this book but it is about a story that began before she joined their family and how this little girl's too-short life is still impacting the world today.
This isn't meant to be a review of the book, but I wholeheartedly recommend it. I was in awe of Mrs. Chapman's candor. I felt as though she was not jut saying the right words because it is what she should say as a Christian.
It is a realization of how blind I have been. Not only because I don't want to take for granted these moments in time, but because it is so very easy to lose sight of what is truly important, what is from God and where I am hearing (and internalizing) lies.
In so many books, I hear about this concept of "Choosing to SEE" how God is acting in our lives, in our world. Anthony DeMello writes of the need to "wake up" in Awareness. I'm sure there are other examples, other books, others who recognize that we must be open to the miracles, the love, the gifts, the Truth. Being open is a choice. It is not always as easy as working at it, DeMello warns against that. No, I think it is about opening one's heart and one's mind to the love surrounding us.
I do not think it will mean that life has less suffering, but if I am aware, if I am walking in faith, believing and following the Truth instead of being deceived by lies, I will see the blessings in the hardships, the gifts in the pain and the provision in the desert.
My passion is reignited. My soul is refreshed. I can see more clearly as I let go.
-Peace
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