I think we're made to look for the time when things are stable and settled, but we set our sights too short. Heaven is where our gaze (even now) is to be directed.
I compare it to the "vanishing point" I did projects on in Art school. In a study of perspective, the vanishing point is that place on the horizon where what one sees, in effect, vanishes. It's a central point, sometimes illustrated by a single little dot. It is that spot to which all things are directed. Everything in the picture is geared toward that point. Streets, roofs, windows, roads can then be lined up as the eye sees them: wider when they're closer to the viewer, and narrower toward the horizon. the picture is only correct, nicely proportioned, and logical if the artist takes into account the vanishing point. In a basic perspective lesson, the student is taught to project the vanishing point and then to practice by using rulers until all things in the picture line up correctly with that one central spot.
We look to things of earth, goals in this life, as our vanishing points. But the only true and unchanging vanishing point is in eternity. We are to fix our eyes on Jesus, and all things then take their proper perspective. All too often we "draw in" parts of our lives with the wrong central spot ("I must make my life today line up with my goal of making money.... becoming successful... being well liked... appearing intelligent...."), and while this may seem to work for a time, it actually throws our lives off balance.
It is only when we fix our eyes on Jesus that everything else falls into proper perspective.
He is the one and only Central Spot.
"Here we have no lasting city; we are seeking one which is to come." (Hebrews 13:14)
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Nancy,
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading this post, it brought to mind something Thomas Merton mentions in his writing. He talks about the "Pointe Verge"~ that place very deep within us where God dwells, a place untouched by sin. Reflecting on this concept of Merton's helps me to keep proper perspective, my eyes on Jesus and the things of heaven. You refer to the vanishing point; Merton's pointe verge is just that~ we vanish and it is God that becomes the focal point.
Great post and a great reminder as to where our focus needs to be.
This is marvelous, Karinann - thank you so much for sharing it. I love the thought that we vanish and it is God that becomes the focal point. "He must increase; I must decrease." You have given me rich food for meditation today.
DeleteNancy~ So hard it is, isn't it...to keep it all in perspective? This too shall pass.
DeleteI love the reference, Karinann to Thomas Merton...what a profound quote.
Have a blessed day...wonderful posts over at Cloistered Heart too!
Thank you, Theresa! Hope your day is blessed as well.
DeleteI love your use of vanishing points to explain having the right perspective, focus and goal in mind. I am constantly reminding myself that although I suffer now, I can handle whatever God throws my way if I just keep focusing on the distand goal of Heaven. It is so easy to bogged down by the colorful scenes happening in the foreground of my life.
ReplyDeleteMonica, your mention of the very word "colorful" strikes a chord in me. Things right at hand in our lives - thus in the foreground of our "picture," - loom so much larger, brighter, more demanding of our attention. Thank you for your perspective!
DeleteKeeping Him as the "central focus" is definitely the all-important goal. Thanks so much for this post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joni! God bless!
DeleteThis is lovely, Nancy, and just what I needed to read today.
ReplyDeleteJust last night, I was whispering in my children's ears how everything good on earth is a foretaste of heaven, but even as I was saying it, I was all internally ruffled...will they keep their faith? Am I doing this right? Am I telling them the right things? Almost as if the message was coming from my own anxiety rather than my own eyes fixed on heaven. Thank you for your gift of words to redirect my gaze.
Jeannine, thanks so much. My own gaze "drifts" numerous times a day... it's a constant struggle. Thank God for His mercy and help!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post, Nancy. I loved Karinann's comment too.
ReplyDeleteI just read your post over at The Cloistered Heart. Your remark about people being "starving for God" would explain why so many are drawn to New Age spirituality. They mean well but become trapped by "false light". "To Carry the Fire" was an excellent post too! Thanks for the link to to "Dangers of New Age Movement" - I've never read that one before.
Thanks, Mary. Your posts today are good resources for those wanting a bit more info about the dangers of new age thinking, so I encourage anyone curious about this to click on your name above (Mary333) and then on the blog The Beautiful Gate. May we all have grace to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and off of anything counterfeit!
DeleteWhat a wonderful post Nancy, and oh, so true. In this busy world of ours we sometimes need to be reminded what our real goal is: to gain heaven!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. It is such a hard thing to remember in our day to day lives, isn't it? I'm so glad you've stopped by here today!
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