How 8:18 came to be

I want to be more observant.

After all, I am an artist and a writer.  It’s a necessary part of the craft.  But more than that, God calls to his people throughout His word to not only see, but to look through to the Kingdom’s reality.  Not only listen, but to hear the Spirit behind the noise of the world.

And so, since I am a huge fan of using randomness to spark to my creativity, I decided to set my phone to ping me at the same time each day.  At that moment, I would stop what I’m doing and take in the world around me.  Write a few words about it.  And let it lead me into prayer.

But what would the time be?  And wait – what if it could be determined by a verse of Scripture?

Finding the verse wasn’t easy.  I wanted, if at all possible, a time that happened twice in my waking day.  That took out Proverbs 20:12, one of my all-time favorites.  But then I found it – similar to the proverb, but better: Mark 8:18.

Jesus has been talking about the “leaven of the Pharisees,” but his disciples worry that he’s chiding them over forgotten bread.  Oh, those disciples, God love ‘em.  Jesus turns to them and asks three pointed questions: Having eyes do you not see? And having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?

A perfect verse.  For it not only touches on being aware, but expects the lessons of attentiveness to make ongoing changes.  So now I had my time and my title.  (And, the icing on the cake, 8/18 is also my birthday.  Nice touch, Lord.)

So begins my latest adventure while walking with Jesus.  Will you accompany us?  It’s sure to be eye-opening!