Which mountain was the tallest? It was hard to tell. They all looked like they were about the same height. I was sure I had picked out the tallest mountain the day before, but now it looked like it was about the same height (or maybe even shorter) than another one close by.
The only difference between this day and the day before was that it had been clear the day before, but it was cloudy on this particular day. I knew that the clouds made things appear a little darker and somewhat changed how the colors looked, but could clouds make the height of something appear to be different than it really was?
I found out that the answer to that question was a resounding, “Yes,” when the clouds finally moved on and uncovered the top of the tallest mountain! I had no idea that the cloud had actually obscured my vision to that extent.
I have been thinking about that experience quite a lot lately. It may be that part of our lack of understanding about a lot of things may be due to the fact that we are not seeing the entire picture.
I know that the more I read and try to understand God’s Word, the more it seems as though “clouds move on” in my understanding of His will for my life, His great plan of salvation, the marvelous church He has always had in His plans (cf. Ephesians 3:10) and a host of other things. I would not say that I am seeing the “peaks” yet. The truth is that I may still be just seeing the “foothills” of what He wants me to know and understand, but I know that what I am seeing so far is beyond description.
I have also thought about how this principle may apply to my relationship with those around me. We might all do a better job in understanding and loving one another if we would remember that what we are seeing in terms of behavior, commitment, morality, etc. may not be the complete picture. There may be some “clouds” hiding something really beautiful. I hope I am patient enough to let them go on their way and see the real picture! The view is great on a sunny day!
