It’s a good day

It is a good day when I get to look across the horizon and see a beautiful cross atop a hill. There is one not far from my house, but I don’t get to see it everyday. When I do see it, my heart broadens and swells with hope and joy. It is a beautiful sight.


Today, I saw it from a different vantage point. There I stood, just west of the cross. Looking out toward it, I realized something. From this angle, the outline of the cross was hard to pinpoint. I knew what was there, but from the side I could barely tell it was a cross. That is when the spirit whispered to my quiet heart and said, “Only when you are centered, facing forward, can you see and understand the beauty of the cross.”  


I love those lightbulb moments. The simple truth pricked my heart. Yes, it is easy to miss the point when the view comes from left or right field. My heart sank knowing there are so many who camp out in those outfields. There from those side angles, it is almost impossible to see the beauty of the arms outstretched. You can’t see it when you are stuck looking behind, focused on yesterday’s success or failures. Only when you stand centered, front facing, can you know the picture of a good father who sent His son with arms wide open to love on humanity. Cast a glimpse from any other direction, and the meaning gets lost. Approach from another way of thinking, philosophy, or religion, and you only see an upright piece of wood. There is no meaning or eternal significance.


What Jesus did must be center. The act of sacrifice, forgiveness, redemption, and restoration must be seen with our hearts facing forward, centered on the cross. The best view is knowing what He did to secure a good future for you. There we can see the eternal impact His life gives us for our todays and tomorrows. I have found that there is no life outside of what He did for us. He made it personal. He died for you. It is personal. He died for me. 


In response, I must make it personal and face Him with a heart ready to receive His gift and surrender mine. His love is open to me. His love is open for you. Face forward. Center your soul and see the beauty of His heart reaching to find you, save you, and redeem your life. Don't get lured off the path. Don’t get distracted and veer off course. Turn your face back to Jesus.


No matter what your year has been, or how many of last year’s remnants remain. Today can be a good day. You don’t have to stay lost in the pains of yesterday or the fears of tomorrow. You don’t have to get distracted by those sideline views or misdiagnosed moments. Today could be a good day. In fact, today can be a great day. It’s a beautiful day when you look face forward into the eyes of love and see just how wide their sacrifice is for you. It’s a good day to stare into the beauty of the cross.

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