The Elusive Scent of the Familiar
As I stepped into the room, I was enveloped by the subtle aroma of my wife’s perfume, a welcome respite from the pungent smells of fresh vacuuming. It’s intriguing how our senses can become desensitized to the familiar, requiring a certain level of intensity to register. This phenomenon, known as cognitive filtering or Deletion, affects not only our perception of scents but also our awareness of other sensory inputs.
The Comfort of Familiarity
Take, for instance, the sensation of sitting on a chair. At first, the nerve endings respond to the pressure, but as time passes, the sensation fades into the background, only to reappear when we shift positions. Similarly, as believers, we can grow accustomed to the presence of Jesus in our lives, taking it for granted until we’re suddenly aware of His absence.
A Lapse in Awareness
For those of us who have walked with God for a while, it’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming His presence is an integral part of who we are. We begin to think that His presence is inherent, rather than a gift that requires attention and nurturing. But when we’re sidetracked by the world, we’re jolted back into awareness, realizing that someone – or rather, Someone – is missing.
The Joy of Rediscovery
What a relief it is to re-encounter the refreshing presence of Jesus! As we seek forgiveness and surrender to His grace, His distinctiveness becomes clear once more. We rejoice in the sweetness of Immanuel, the God who is with us. May we approach each new day with reverence, inviting His presence to pervade our lives.
A Prayer of Humility
Dear Lord, forgive us when we take Your presence for granted, assuming it will conform to our will. May we remain mindful of Your graciousness and recognize the beauty of Your presence in our lives. Amen.
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