I’m reading “Touching Heaven” by Dr. Chauncey Crandall, recommended by women in my Sunday life group at church.
“God surrounds every one of us with His kingdom at every turn – with messages and messengers, signs and gifts – and He has given it all to us so that we would turn our eyes and hearts toward Him. Some people don’t notice because they doubt that He cares. Many more, though, are missing daily hints of Him simply because they’re not paying attention.”
I remember a… day when I stood outside my church 20 or so years ago and cried as I sang. I was waiting for someone, something….but the details of that time are not clear. I only recall that I sang through my tears with my heart pleading:
Open my eyes, that I may see, Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key, That shall unclasp and set me free.
(Refrain): Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear, Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear.
(Refrain)
Open my mouth, and let me bear, Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare, ove with Thy children thus to share.
(Refrain)
Dr. Crandall shares how his eyes and ears were gradually opened to the reality of life in the eternal realm through the experiences of his patients, his own family, and himself. He comes to realize that “we’ve been given a galaxy full of wonders and so much more – every one of which is intended to attract us to the Giver of all good gifts.”