This blog is a bit different than those I’ve posted in the past. Last week, our ministry host, Raul, took us on a surprise two-day trip to Greece for some rest and adventure. I had some beautiful conversations with squadmates, long naps, and got to go scuba diving and cliff jumping for the first time on the same day. Over and over, The Lord was asking me to keep my eyes open and have wonder.

While I was processing this with Abba, I ended up writing a poem about the wonder I was feeling, and He asked me to share it with you. So without further ado…

 

Eyes Wide Open

What is it to live with eyes wide?

To notice all the light that touches them;

to let it touch your soul as well.

Wide eyes will see that the sky in Greece

is the same as in Colorado,

but that even the trees look new.

 

They can see how the tenderness of a Romanian widow

with not a tooth in her mouth

is the same as that of your own mother;

 

or that, though you have not heard it,

the sunlight when scuba diving

looks like golden rain,

and feels like the love I’ve heard preached

all my life.

 

Eyes that are wide

will move your hands to heal,

lips to speak life,

and ears to hear of all

that is broken and lost and found.

 

But they cannot consume.

Wide eyes receive;

they do not devour.

Their sight will beautify, but never burn.

 

And when they see clear water,

unending sun and a far-off mountain

over the sea,

they will birth a laughing mouth,

and feet willing to leap forward,

falling in faith rather than fear.

Eyes that are open wide

remember

the child you were, willing to jump

to a father’s arms.

 

So let my eyes be open in love,

and I will embrace,

knowing the eyes of a son will see

your Spirit in every sight

that is yet to come.