FedEx

The other day my husband taught our family an important lesson. Jerry began by showing us a picture of the FedEx logo on the computer.  He asked what we saw.  We read the words, described the colors etc.  Then he said, "Do you see an arrow?"  At first we said no.  He asked again, "Do you see an arrow?"  We looked again.  One by one we eventually began to see the arrow.  Then he asked us if we could see the spoon.  This time we had a little easier time seeing what he was talking about. 
 
We then discussed what we could learn from this little experience.  We talked about how we could apply it to ourselves individually and also how we could apply it to our relationships with others.  Sometimes we see only certain things about ourselves, and about our lives.  Because we are so focused on those things, we miss other things that are equally as valuable.  Sometimes we are so focused on what we don't have (like curly hair, or life without food allergies, or eyes that don't need glasses) that we don't even see and appreciate all that we do have. 

This also applies to how we see other people.  Are we so focused on one aspect of someone, whether it be his looks (clothes, hair etc.) or a character flaw, that we miss seeing and appreciating the whole person and all the good things about him?  Sometimes as a Mom I get focused on one thing or other with regards to one of my children or my spouse.  Usually, the thing that I get focused on is not a positive thing.  Unfortunately, in doing that I sometimes find myself feeling frustrated with that child/husband, so much so that I don't notice all the good that he says and does and is.

Heavenly Father surely sees the failings in my life and in the lives of all of his children.  But I also know that he never loses sight of all the good and positive things.  He is an expert at seeing the whole "FedEx" logo and not just focusing on the arrow or the spoon.  After this lesson, I have not once seen a FedEx truck without thinking about the new meaning that it has taken on for me.  Yes, I definitely look for and see that arrow and spoon each time…I can't help myself…but I also remember to look at myself, my own life, and all the other people in my life with Heavenly Father's eyes…seeing them as he sees them and loving them as he loves them.