As I was driving the kids all over after school this week, my eyes locked onto our dirt road. The dust clouds were billowing behind us, and suddenly a shadow darted out in front of me. I did a double take while slowing down quickly. It passed by again, and I realized it wasn’t what ran across the road, but what had soared above us.

Right there in that moment, God unfolded a parable to illustrate what keeps me from seeing Him. I am staring at the shadows instead of lifting my gaze to the sky.

For most of us, life seems to hurdle forward, and we barely hang on. There are places to be, people to see and responsibilities to complete. So, we focus on what’s right in front of us, hoping that we can handle it all. We drive fast with our eyes glued to the road, and sometimes miss all the beauty around us. We are committed to the task and get frustrated with the detours. If God is at work, we don’t see it because we are too busy balancing, managing and surviving.

All we see are the shadows of what could be as we speed by, late for the next appointment.

We catch the vestiges of grace, instead of basking in it. We strain to hold onto peace rather than savoring what Christ has freely extended.

We work hard for God and rarely just enjoy Him without agenda.

What would we rather have: the shadow or the sky?

I want to experience God as fully as I possibly can in this life. Why should I be content chasing shadows when I can thrive in the vibrancy of knowing my Jesus?

Instead of rushing to our lists of chores on Saturday, the kids and I decided to take a long walk. We enjoyed talking, absorbing the scenery and feeling the breeze swirl around us as we pretended to be airplanes taking flight. Every step we took, Jesus was there with us, prompting our conversation and directing our eyes. We swished the clouds with our hands and collected red leaves and pine cones. We marveled about how amazing God is, and how much we can look forward to by His side.

I know not every day will be like that. But if I’m going too fast and my schedule is so full that I don’t spend time with Jesus and treasure the family He has given me, I am missing what’s most important. I don’t want to just catch the shadows!

Consider your line of sight this week, and how fast you are traveling. Don’t let the goodness of God blur on the side of the road. Stop pushing the speed limit. Slow down and really see Him.