Achoo...

Our dog's sneezing fit the other day was comical. 

It was my day off and I was enjoying an afternoon of cooking up a South-Asian feast for dinner. The rich aromatic blends of many strong Indian curry spices filled our upper floor. I thought it smelled divine. Lainey, our five-month-old Doberman, seemed to have a different experience. 

Dogs, we're told, have a powerful sense of smell. I guess the curry blends were a bit too rich for her finely tuned snout. She walked around sneezing, and sneezing, and sneezing. Then knelt down to rub her nose with her paws repeatedly. It was good for a chuckle. She settled down and adjusted, and Laura and I enjoyed a tasty meal. 

Of course, I'm impressed with Lainey's sense of smell, but it has actually been her sense of sight that has been more interesting to learn about.

Lainey loves to see what's going on. And when she can't, certain circumstances are made harder for her. If a new sound occurs and Lainey can't see what caused it, it's unsettling for her. If someone is walking up the stairs and Lainey can't see who it is, she's not at peace until she lays eyes on whomever it was. If Lainey is in our backyard and hears someone or something over the fence (which she can't see through), she gets agitated. Sometimes she'll just look up into the sky above the fence somehow hoping that she'll be able to figure out what's going on on the other side. 

Have you ever noticed that we can get that way too? 

In the absence of seeing something properly, we can get jumpy, unsettled, and even distracted to the point of being thrown off course. 

But when we can see clearly, a sense of peace, focus and direction appear more natural.  

Think about Zacchaeus. His vision was limited. But then he got a better view of Jesus. The result was meaningful fellowship with Jesus and a transformed life. 

This is why our fifth prayer priority for 2022 is: God's Vision for CPC. 

We want to see clearly. We want to know His heart and direction for our church as we move together into our future. And it must begin with seeing Him! 

This year, let's pray for our eyes to always be set upon Jesus (Heb 12.2, Ps 16.8).

This year, let's pray that God would give us clarity as our vision/mission language is defined. 

This year, let's pray that our ministries and resources (including our building future and plans) become more aligned with God's purposes for CPC.  

If you were going to say to Lainey, "I hope you get to see everything you need to" I think she might wish to respond with "Right back ATCHOO!"

Bless you ;)

Pastor Mike