Seeing Things As They Really Are
When Adam awoke to life, he saw things as they really are. He saw gifts.
The daffodil at his feet? An unexpected yellow surprise, delicate and bright. Bending closer – he would be startled by its airy fragrance. Perhaps this was the moment when Adam first learned to sniff. And upon sniffing, Adam further discovered, in cross-eyed astonishment, that he possessed a nose. “What a happy fellow I am,” he might have thought, “that I am given this thing… this instrument of pleasure, situated just-so upon my face so as to precede me wherever I trod.”
Not yet 10 minutes into the new creation and Adam has already discovered the primary human responsibility: ‘to stop and smell the daffodils’. Yes, when Adam awoke that first morning, he saw things as they really are. He saw all things as a gift. And it was good.
Secondly, he saw himself as he really is: a receiver. He discovered that he was specifically equipped (with eyes, ears, mind, heart) to receive the gifts of the world. Adam understood that he was designed to receive. This was as plain as the nose on his face.
And third, he saw God as He really is: The Giver.
When you see things as they really are, you understand that the world is arranged in a cascade of grace. The Giver overflows with gifts (daffodils…). The gifts overflow (in fragrance, color and shape) to the receiver. The receiver takes in the gifts and brims with happiness and gratitude.
When Adam awoke, he saw things as they really are. Like the daffodil to the morning sun, Adam lifted his shaggy head. He understood the world and basked in unfiltered grace – with no hesitation or shame. The Lord shined upon him and gave him peace. This is what happens when you see things as they really are. You become who you really are. You rise with gratitude. You burn yellow with wonder and smell like love.
Roger Edwards joined The Barnabas Center in 1991. In addition to counseling individuals and couples, Roger teaches and leads discussion groups about applying the Bible to everyday life. He is a licensed professional counselor, holds a master’s degree in biblical counseling from Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana and earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is married to Jean, and they have seven children.
