Finally seeing what was there all along

What do you see in this picture?

It is actually a photo of some pirate ship shaped play equipment but when I looked at the picture later on my computer I saw something completely different.

All I can see when I look at the photo now is the cross and the light behind it. It speaks to me of hope and light dawning because of all that Jesus accomplished on the cross. I was going to crop the picture and use it as a background image in church when I noticed the birds sat on the cross. I was really disappointed but then I remembered what Jesus said about the Kingdom of God.

“It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.” (Luke 13.19)

Jesus was saying that there is space for us all in his Kingdom. The place where God is recognized as King is growing and there is room for everyone who wants to be there. We can enter the Kingdom of God (be with God) because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. All of a sudden having birds perched on the symbol of a cross with light dawning behind seemed very appropriate.

God really encouraged me through this picture. At the time I took it, I was just enjoying being at the park with my family and it was only later that I saw what was right in front of me the whole time.

I wonder what God is trying to show us? Will we pause and listen? Will we stop and look?

May God encourage, challenge and lead us as we choose to be open to him.