From where I sit to regularly work
I see out a window into my front yard
where birdfeeders hang and beckon for visitors.

I see a variety of assorted birds—
sparrows and nuthatches,
finches and chickadees,
doves and woodpeckers.

On a recent morning to my utter surprise
a pileated woodpecker landed on an adjacent tree trunk.
I had seen one before deep in the woodlands of Kentucky
but certainly not in my own yard.

I hastily moved to the front door
and peered through the glass.
Still surprised I took it all in
not knowing when I’d see one again.

There are days when I see less
not because there’s less to see
but because I do not look out as much.

I get too busy.
I am too anxious.
I become too distracted.
I am in too much of a hurry.

The same can be true of other ways of seeing.
What could I see if I look beyond myself?
What is waiting to be seen on the horizons of my life?
What might be nearer than I realize if I would only look up?

I try to remind myself that there is good in the world—
actual good that I can see.
I also try to remind myself to look for it—
even when I do not expect to see it.

I am going to look out today—
beyond myself
beyond my doubts
beyond my limited expectations.

I am going to see today—
see what good there is
see what God is showing me
see God in the midst of it all.