History was made this last summer.
It wasn’t the kind of history that makes any difference whatsoever 
to the rest of the world, but it sure made a difference to me. Growing up, I was never able to figure out those “3D Magic Eye” puzzle-picture things. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s that thing on the right over there. Allegedly, if you knew how to look, you’d be able to see a 3Dimage in this that would pop out. I would stare at these things until my eyes started to hurt, but could NEVER figure it out. Other people would say “Oh wow, it’s a palm tree, or ball, or dog, or face, or four leaf clover!” And I’d say, “Oh look, a liar!!” But I would still stare harder, and then only manage to see myself going blind and absolutely insane. It got to the point where I fully believed that anyone who claimed to be able to see something in one of these things was making it up, and that somehow it was the most successful conspiracy theory of which everyone else was a part.
But my world changed in a Half-Priced Bookstore. I was walking around with my older brother who was in Omaha for a visit, when we came across a book full of these things. I expressed my anger and regret, and instead of wallowing with me he decided to pull a book out and successfully see every single one. More than that, he also gave me a tip on how to see them. I put the book close to my nose, and then slowly moved back. All of a sudden, I was a part of the conspiracy. I could see three little pyramids, and it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. A lifetime of dreaming and anger, resolved because of three stupid little pyramids.
The question then begs to be asked, how many things have I missed because my focus was off? How many wonderful and beautiful things have I missed because instead of asking how to see, I’d rather cross my eyes and stare blindly at a problem or an issue until something happens?? There are so many people who seem gifted with seeing things in a bright and optimistic way, opposed to the many moments where I’d look at the same issue and only squint and become angry. In those moments, may we pray for God to teach us how to look. May he guide our eyes in the right direction, at the right angle, to truly see the wonderful things happening under the confusion. May we look at the world with eyes of faith, to see those little pyramids everywhere we go.
Caleb Smith, Pulpit Minister
