Windex

Today,
it's a beautiful day in College Station, TX. I decided to spend the late afternoon sitting outside in the courtyard of my dorm, drinking my favorite blue gatorarde, listening to my favorite country music, while I study for my dreaded exam tonight.


I suddenly became distracted by a playful bird. He left his perch from the tree to come down near a ground-level window. He hopped and flapped around, watching his own reflection play with him in the window. I was alarmed, and slightly amused, when he flew right into the window, and hard I might add. He fell and looked quite flustered. The interesting thing was, this window wasn't even like Windex clean. He returned to his perch for about 15 minutes. I observed as he descended again and approached the window. This time he was slightly more cautious, but the exact same thing happened. I couldn't contain my laughter. The foolish bird literally just ran beak-first into the same window not even 20 minutes ago! Why would he come back for seconds?


Then it hit me. I'm the bird. That window is my sinful nature. It appears fun and inviting. But it is not open or life-giving. It will trick me time and time again, like a Windex commercial. Sin makes promises that are so tempting and inviting. Idols come up and appear promising and fulfilling. But any idol will ask me to die for it countless times; but only will my true Savior actually lay down His own life for me. God sits, always nearby, like a mom at a park who won't let her tot out of sight. He watches. Sometimes He may let me run into the window, and other times He may intervene. But the important thing is, He is always there. He never sits inside and teases, laughs, and watches indifferently. He's right there with me. He's there to slow or redirect my path, and He's there to pick me up if I disobediently run into that window. He loves me because I am His. I am His creation. He loves me, not because I deserve it, but because He is love, it is His character. 


So I encourage you, whether you're running into windows or maybe you're not at the moment. Wherever you are, seek the Lord. His presence goes with you continually.

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!