I was completely moved last week on my drive home. As I was speeding down Buford Hwy, I saw a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk tying his shoe. I became instantly aware that this man had nowhere else to tie his shoe. He couldn't wait until he got home, out of sight, or maybe he couldn't even wait long enough to have the luxury to make that decision, b/c if his shoelaces broke, then he would have no way of keeping his shoes on.

It's so amazing to me the things that happen in our peripheral view that we hardly ever stop to see. I think the work of God may all be in the peripheral. And he's teaching us to slow down and become more attuned to his voice and the people and lives that exist outside of our perception.

I read a book my senior year of high school on quantum mechanics, (now called the "new physics"). The author related the study of quantum mechanics to the practice of Wu Li, an ancient form of self defense that has its origins in Southeast Asia. In Wu Li, you learn everything from "the master." The one line I committed to memory, and have often said to myself since was this:

A master teaches essence. Once the essence is perceived, the master teaches what is necessary to expand the perception.

Consider exactly what "essence" you have been learning lately. Are you still in the process of learning the essence, or is your perception gradually expanding for you to learn more?

I feel as though my perception was expanded simply by viewing that old man on the side of the road, tying his shoe. And now I wait, in faithfulness, knowing that he will continue to expand my perception to see all that lies on the periphery.

posted by Kelly @ 9:06:00 AM