Looking Through the Windows

I take our dog, Jack, out for his first walk at 6:00am. That time of morning is so invigorating, a lovely way to start the day. Whatever the weather the air is fresh and near silence surrounds us. We walk around the nearby lake glancing at moor hens, ducks, and seagulls enjoying their own welcome to the morning. Once in a while we see another early morning dog walker with his or her own furry friend enjoying the gentle waking of day.

Often, especially as days grow shorter, making the mornings a bit darker as they are doing now, I can see lights begin to come on in various homes around the lake as people begin their day. Some windows are covered with curtains, others with blinds, but many never cover their windows. Walking by, anyone can glance in and see what’s going on. There are people sipping their own morning mugs of tea or coffee. Television’s are on with flashes of world news displayed. Some are dressed for the day while others are still adorned in their pajamas. They are not concerned at all that anyone can see into their windows.

A verse in I Corinthians 10:31 came to mind this morning: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” I learned this verse as a teenager. It impacted me then and it still does today. Just as homes with no closed curtains allow the world to see in, so our lives are watched by everyone we know. It’s rather daunting to think about — how we react in situations be they good or difficult, how we respond to the words of another be they words of praise or even cruelty, how we press on when we find ourselves in unwanted situations — somebody is watching. Someone is wondering if God in our lives is making any difference.

This brings another verse to mind. Psalm 19:14: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and redeemer.” Our own words affects our own behavior. If we speak harshly, our whole demeanor changes into something unpleasant to observe, but if we speak truthfully with intent to bring about good, our manner will be one of peace and serenity. Others may respond in calmness, too, when we display an even temper. It’s hard at times when injustices are done to ourselves or to others we love, but remember, with the help of the Holy Spirit, what our mouths say, what our eyes see, what our hands do or where our feet take us, inner peace and right behavior can remain intact. When that happens, it never matters who is looking through our windows.