You are only looking at the surface of things.

These words from 2 Corinthians 10 jumped out at me. What do you mean I’m only looking at the surface? I’ve spent the better part of a year digging into the details and minutia of what life looks like. Figuring out my kids lives, schools, meals, shunting people where they want to go. Drying tears, mine and theirs, scheduling fun and tamping down tantrums.

And then there’s the adult relationship in my life. Making sure to text, call, keep in touch. Spending time with husband and friends, being hospitable, being engaged.

And I’m only looking at the surface of things?

Yes.

Like a still pond I’d been skimming my rocks over, I’ve seen the ripples on the surface. Those things in life that disturb the water and spread outward into infinity before they dissipate.

I’ve seen the disruption on the surface and tried to bring back the calm in the water while still throwing the rocks of life.

But God was calling me deeper. Because under the surface of the water there’s a teeming world of life that I wasn’t experiencing or seeing. Because under the surface of my everyday busyness, God’s hand was working miracles and working on my behalf.

He’s calling me to look under the ripples to the still and teeming life underneath.

Because when I imagine sliding under the surface to the depth of what he’s calling me, there’s a quiet and peace and certainty of purpose. I can see behind the scenes. I can see how creator God gently and lovingly manages and directs life.

When I take a step back from the bustle of my day to day I can see small pockets of his purpose. Bringing that friend to my door who welcomes me into my new community. Provision for my children and their growth through trials. A marital relationship strengthened and priorities renewed.

When I only look at the surface, all I see is the chaos. But if I look, listen, seek God’s hand in my everyday, I feel a peace and certainty. He is directing my path and guiding my steps.

I can throw rocks and make ripples but the water and life within it is his. The surface is disturbed but He is not shaken.

Yet I still belong to you;

you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

Psalm 73:23-25