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Opening the Blinds
Posted By Carol
It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.” John 11:10 NIV
“BRRR,” my husband shivered as he let down the Roman shades on our den windows, “I can feel air coming through the window.” He unwound the pull-strings and let the fabric skate down the windows to the sills. Now insulated from the cold, he nestled back under his fuzzy blanket and finished watching his movie.
The next day, as I waltzed through the den with the laundry basket, I noticed something was different. It sure is glum in here. But as I glanced towards the windows, I knew why. The shades were still down, and the blinds were shut. Most days, I open the blinds and welcome the sun as soon as I’m dressed.
I climbed on the couch and pulled up the shades, adjusting the folds just so. Still too dark. With a twist of the blinds, light spilled through and immediately brightened the room. I inhaled the new day and went on with my chores.
Blinds are defined as a device that is pulled down to shut out the light. These mechanisms are great for houses but not for people. Yet, we, too, install them in the windows of our souls – contraptions that block out Christ.
Blinds come in various forms. Perhaps they are books, music, or television programs that don’t glorify God. A bad attitude can definitely block out the light, and some blinds come in the form of another person. Unfortunately, with these blinds in place, we live in darkness.
What would happen if each of us removed the blinds we’ve installed? How would we be changed if there were nothing in the way to block out Christ?
I want to live in The Light.
O, Lord,
Please show me, today, people or things in my life that block out You. I know everything living requires light to grow. Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. (Psalm 43:3 NIV) Amen.
Jan 26th, 2009
Oh wow excellent thoughts on the blinds we install in our hearts!!!
Very convicting post. I know I definitely have blinds. I really hadn’t thought about it until last week at a girl’s night out. There were 4000 women at this event and I’m not good with crowds. After a wonderful night hearing how God worked in the speaker’s lives (Lysa Terkeurst, Renee Swope, and Kate Gosslin), I felt myself withdraw from my friends. Instead of waiting in line with them to have their books signed, I closed my blinds and left as fast as I could (to avoid the crowd).
I know I missed out on fellowship with them and many other ladies waiting in line. I need to work on my comfort level so that I don’t use my blinds.
Amen. I haven’t told you, but often you help me with my own devotional time.
I need a lot of light, but sometimes conditions cause excessive light to hurt my eyes. I wonder if His light sometimes intrudes on our “condition” unwelcomed. Thanks for helping with my prayer today.
Dan