Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Putting up Blinds



I am so enjoying this book, “Unto Full Stature.”

Rich

“We have on rare occasions observed individuals who developed their soul until there was a natural loveliness to behold in the window. They have discovered some of the natural laws for producing love, joy, gentleness, etc. Yet for everyone who has attained this natural mastery there are ten thousand who have put up blinds over their windows. By this their soul is saying: “Please don’t look in. I am ashamed that you will not see love, joy, meekness, etc. My natural factory has become bankrupt. I am forced to defend myself with these blinds. Please don’t look in my windows.”

“This leads us secondly to see who so many insist upon putting up blinds. Whenever you see a drab, stoical, unexpressive person, you are looking at a life that has somehow become disappointed, disgruntled and warped in their soul by wrong conceptions. Circumstances have seemingly dealt a severe blow and the soul has become passive. The mind cannot be challenged into thinking; the will has become unexpressive. The blinds are the mechanism of the self life which insists upon wearing a mask to hide the emptiness and barrenness of the inner soul.”

“There are many who admit, “I am caught in a web of circumstances that have put blinds over my windows; it is like being in a dungeon. I can’t see out, and I’m not willing for others to see in. Is it really possible under such circumstances to live with open windows?”
In answer I refer you to this passage which explains how God would use the dungeon to work His inward graces. It would seem if you find these inner graces at all it is through the crushing, the breaking, the darkness. Like Jeremiah, you will “find grace in the dungeon” (Jeremiah 31:2 Moffatt). It is not abnormal to be caught, that is, to find yourself unable to get out of the dungeon.
So often that is God’s way-His hour of opportunity. In that moment of complete despair as he offers His grace we discover He is getting the dungeon out of us. It is when HE comes in to bring His Life, Light and Love that the old blinds will come down and there will be a glorious expression out of our inner being. Thus wherever we are there is light. He is that Light which changes every dungeon circumstance.”

4 comments:

Ruth said...

Hi Rich,

I like the analogy. I will remember this one for a while. You know that blinds come in many shapes, colors, and designs. But they all serve the same purpose. I like my blinds pulled but my husband like's them open ... :)

Loving and trusting relationship with others built and centred around Christ helps us to pull back our blinds and be free. It's a real joy to have those kind of relationships and then to be free to the extent eventually that you decide to get to the point where you don't need blinds anymore. Maybe we will get there, or maybe we won't quite get to that point: all ok.

Blessings,
ruth

Anonymous said...

Thought provoking. I enjoyed reading this passage. Thanks for sharing it.

Amy

Rich said...

Ruth,

Living loved are mere words until that inner knowing begins to unfold, much like a tight rose bud, ever so slowly as it soaks, basks in the light of the 'sun' the miracle unfolds before our very senses.

I sense Father working this intoxicating aroma into your very being.

Rich said...

firstcomeslove,

I'm glad you enjoyed this. It is always a joy to me to see others touched from within by His great care and compassion.