Seeing Well

The following is a copy of the Thomas Question email devotional. You can subscribe to the email edition from our website and tune into our podcast.

There are at least two ways we do our “looking”. Consider how you drive a car. It takes one kind of looking (out the windshield) to avoid
collisions and another kind of looking (at a map) to get where you’re going. The windshield helps us with here and now, the map helps us with there and then.

Now all of this hints at a potential problem. Too much “map” and you’ll hit telephone poles. Too much “windshield” and you’ll miss all the telephone poles on your way to nowhere in particular (at least you’ll get there in pristine condition). The challenge, as always, is to find the best balance between both.

Now how are these things true for your life as well as your car? In similar fashion, we need at least two kinds of awareness to move forward – both “here and now” as well as “there and then”. Some are so busy managing here and now that their ultimate destination will be a surprise to them – and sometimes a rude awakening. Years fly by without a thought. Others have their mind so far in the future the rest of their life will likely never catch up. Which do you struggle with?

Life is in part a test of guidance. How do we overcome immediate obstacles using available opportunities as we move toward ultimate ends? It’s not an easy thing in any way. You could say it’s like trying to thread a needle in one hand while you hold a hurricane in the other. But it’s a challenge you were made for. Why not thrive in the midst of it? What do you see out your windshield? What dreams fill the edges of your map?

Last Sunday was one approach to the case for faith. If you missed it, tune in to the podcast. This Sunday we have Rich Redman with us. Visit our website for directions and join us for Starbucks at 9:45.

Chris

CHURCH EXPOSED
Our current series lasts until the end of April. What is church, what is The Thomas Question and what could we build if we set our minds to it?

BEAUTIFUL
Our next series begins in early May challenging assumptions about true beauty, a meaningful life and the struggle to make our most noble choices.

THE ANCIENT PATHS
Beginning this summer, a look back to the foundations of a spiritual life. What were the ancient truths that began this journey? How do we rediscover prayer, worship, and meaningful points of devotion in our own lives in the present?

YOUR VOICE
As always, we’re interested in input before and after each Sunday. If you have questions, comments, directions or feedback, hit reply or email us at info@askthequestion.ca and let it rip. As with our Deep Questions series, it only serves to add a layer of richness.