The first time I flew in an airplane I just had to have the window seat.
I remember as that plane took off, my eyes were glued to the window. I watched as the scenery rushed by and then, finally we were hoisted into the air! Everything became smaller until we were high above the clouds. I was amazed to be that high! I was in the sky, seeing clouds as I had never seen them before. It was beautiful.
30 years later, after countless flights, I took the aisle seat. It's more comfortable, I can stretch my legs out if needed and I don't have to fight my way across anyone to get to the bathroom. Hey, when you're fifty you think about these things!
I was almost at our destination before realizing I barely gave the window a second glance.
The beauty of the sky and scenery did not change. What changed was me. I had grown so accustomed to the beauty and the experience of flying that I had grown cold to it.
Reading Revelation today,
"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. " Rev 2:2-5 (NIV)
This is a warning to us all. We can become so occupied with doing things for God, that we forget to simply love God.
Like my experience of flying, we can forget to simply take a moment, look out that window and see the beauty all around us.
Keith Green had a song that says it best, take a moment today and make this a prayer.
Oh Lord You're beautiful
Your face is all I seek
And when Your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me
Oh Lord please light the fire
That once burned bright and clear
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with Holy fear
