What does it mean to look through the Father’s eyes? To have a Heavenly perspective? To see people and yourself the way that God sees you?
Questions that have caused a continual search for me throughout the race. Questions that I daily realize have more and more depth than I originally imagined them having.
It is one thing to ask God to break your heart for what breaks his, to give you His eyes to see. It is something completely different when you become aware of those heavenly glasses that He gives freely as a gift.
Whether it be the perspective of recognizing that true beauty comes solely from the heart, or recognizing the hurt in the world that most people pass by and dismiss without any acknowledgment.
God has continually given me his eyes to see over the past couple of months here in Guatemala. Whether it be me recognizing my worth steadfast in what God says about me or it be the discernment to seek truth above the approval of others, it is clear that His perspective is all we need, yet we often take it for granted.
If these last months have taught me anything, they haven taught me how important having your eyes fixed on the Lord is. It not only has allowed me to recognize who I am in Christ, but it has also allowed me to see others with a much more loving perspective.
For me when I picture what God sees, what beauty looks like to Him, I picture seeing color for the first time. Seeing the fullness in everything without any desire to change it. I picture Him getting giddy about each of His sweet creations on fire for the passions that He has instilled within them.
I think that in our world we are so quick to think of appearance when we think about beauty. What I have come to find is that external beauty simply has no weight in the kingdom of God.
Beauty is what I see in my ministry hosts as we do home visits and build friendships within the town of Sumpango. It is the way they serve this community so well through weekly lunches in the park, and in the way they provide the opportunity for children to know more about Jesus through lessons and displaying His love through sweet interactions.
It is something God has graciously allowed me to be aware of as I have the opportunity to partner with this amazing ministry called Reindom. It is in the continual outpour of joy that I see within them, within my team, and within this country.
It doesn’t take some drastic story, some crazy experience to be overwhelmed by the beauty of God all around me. It is simply within the appreciation of the mundane moments that I fall deeper in love with our creator and all the amazing ways that he invites us in to be a part of something greater than ourselves. Dwelling in His presence has become my favorite place to be because it is the only place where I have the complete comfort that allows me to walk out in His confidence, using His eyes to guide my way.
As I finish up my time in Guatemala I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for the many route changes that allowed the opportunity for my squad to come here. A season not free of challenges by any means from sickness to mental health issues, it has not been the easiest, but I wouldn’t want it without the hardships. This beautiful country has taught what it means to truly be intentional from trying hard to learn Spanish to continual interactions in an effort to build friendships. It has taught what it means to look through God’s eyes in every situation, to re-focus my mind on His truth rather than any lies that might be whispered in from the enemy. It has taught me the importance of resting in God’s presence and how it provides the opportunity to love out of overflow rather than overdrive.
I am thankful for this country, the interactions that I have had the privilege of having, and the little pieces of God’s plan that I have been able to be a part of.
In two weeks I will be heading off to Eswatini, Africa to finish up the last couple of months of my trip! I am so expectant and excited to see how God grows me and uses me as a vessel in this next country!
amen ! ur the wisest !
Well-said, Abby!! I loved reading this and learning about your beautiful heart!
See you very soon!!!
Abby, love your heart and the vulnerability in your writing. You are so precious and I love your heart so much. I know you are impacting the places you visit and the people you meet so much. Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep digging in to impact Gods kingdom. Many blessings to you my friend and know that people all over continue to pray for you daily.
Your wisdom and insight teach me! What beautiful lessons you are learning. Love and miss you!! Only 3 more sleeps!
Abby I love your heart.May you always see thru God’s eyes and heart.Love what you are doing making a difference in other’s lives and hearts.You are truly an inspiration to us all! God Bless you as you continue thru your journey.
May you always dwell in His presence !!??????
Abby, your sweet spirit and giving heart is so refreshing…God is using you in a mighty way…love you and praying for you and your team ??
Don’t know where those question marks came from.. was supposed to be hearts
Abby – thank you for sharing your insights and lessons learned along the way in this amazing adventure you are on. Your words reflect the heart of Christ both in your humility and teachability. I especially loved reading how you are discovering beauty in the mundane and simplicity of what you are doing. You are a precious child of His and I am so grateful for your heart to step out in faith and love His People all over the world. Miss you!
What a beautiful heart you have Abby, please let me know when you are in Eswatini! Safe travels
“to love out of overflow rather than overdrive.” What a deep insightful sentence. I love your unhurried, relational ministry heart. I’m so proud of the woman you are and the one you are becoming. I love you so much. Can’t wait to hug your neck! 🙂
I love this and it’s so beautifully written!!
What an amazing experience you are having. I can see God working through you. Your faith is truly growing. May God continue to bless you these next couple months.
You write so beautifully. I love hearing about your experiences. Safe travels to Africa!!!
Oh, sweet daughter of the the King of Kings. You are challenging me. Your growth in knowing your Daddy and His heart is inspiring. It is clear you know who you are, because you know the One who calls you “beloved” and “priceless”.
Abby you are incredible I’m so happy for you and have been thinking of you! I miss you but I’m so amazed by how you are allowing God to work in your life and how much you are doing for others and God’s will!!
Wow! I love your heart! Your words are full of life and hope because of your understanding of His abiding presence. I love these words of truth which you penned. “ Dwelling in His presence has become my favorite place to be because it is the only place where I have the complete comfort that allows me to walk out in His confidence, using His eyes to guide my way.” My prayer for you, Abby, is that you will always find time each day to “Dwell in His Presence.” God bless you as you journey with Him!