The hardened heart

"When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened." - Mark 6:47-52 

Spring can't come soon enough! Just about every week my wife and I are buying more gas for our snow blower, getting ready for another storm. Soon the the flowers will be blooming, the trees will be budding and the grass will start growing. I'll be so caught up with getting the lawn mower ready to cut the grass that I may look beyond the miracles all around me. Spring is just amazing, and if I'm not careful I'll miss the beauty and wonder of it because my familiarity and busyness has hardened my heart.

Imagine the disciples walking with Jesus every day, watching him perform miracles again and again. They saw such wonderful works of God and yet they missed the point and didn't understand. How could this be you might ask. How could anyone participate in feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, having twelve baskets of food left over, and be oblivious to the miracle? Familiarity and busyness can harden the heart.

God is doing tremendous things in your life right now. He's performing miracles moment by moment and if you're not careful, you're going to miss it. Slow down to see the melting snow and feel the slightly warmer breezes. Watch for the promise of spring that will come with new color and fresh life. Step back and watch the Spirit of God mold your life into the likeness of Jesus. Don't be so familiar and busy that you harden your heart.