“No one can sing of things they have not seen,
God, open our eyes towards a greater glimpse."
- “Seeing You,” Song by Matt Redman
Our experiences provide the brushes for which we paint our future works of art. It is impossible for us to speak and communicate about things we have not seen. Great songwriters tell stories from the their journeys. Incredible speakers communicate lessons learned and birthed from their experiences. Parents provide wisdom from successes they have achieved and lessons they have learned from their mistakes.
We must see in order to sing, to tell, and to make an impact. Seeing involves several things. First, we must open our eyes – a good tip whether we are trying to learn from our experiences or just drive down the freeway. It makes for a much more enjoyable commute when I know that the drivers around me have had their coffee and are wide awake! I also enjoy being around people who are opening their eyes to the opportunities around them.
Second, we must be aware. It is one thing to open your eyes, but it is a more active step to be aware. People who are aware make a conscious decision to clearly see the moments and opportunities around them. They become sensitive to the needs of other people, and they begin to understand their strengths and how to use them for the common good.
Finally, we must become engaged. No, this is not a subtle push to all the single people out there. The kind of engagement I am speaking about involves bringing our whole self to the moment. Engagement involves a deeper involvement both intellectually and emotionally than just basic awareness. We must become aware of a need to become engaged, but there are plenty of people who notice a need but never realize their opportunity to help the situation.
Singing involves seeing, which involves getting a greater glimpse of the moments that God has given you. The key question to ask is: “Are we seeking the greater glimpse in our lives?” Sometimes, we don’t want a greater glimpse, because it may involve a greater commitment or sacrifice on our part. I encourage you to hold your head up, open your eyes, and consider your life as an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of other people.
There are people who need to hear you sing from things that you have seen!
