| Growing up in the south suburbs of the city of Chicago, we always talked about the congestion, the traffic jams, and the aggressive drivers. It was an inconvenience and a frustration. There is a certain level of attraction to the big city, but I never realized how much it bothered me until I lived in a place like Warsaw and have to go home to visit family.
Throughout high school and college, I’d avoid driving downtown as often as I could. It felt like a hassle. But as I’ve gotten older and have had the opportunity to take my own children to see the John Hancock Center or the Willis (it’ll always be Sears to me) Tower, I’ve had a newfound sense of appreciation for it, despite the traffic.
From street level, all you see is the chaos. But from the observation deck, the traffic flow seems peaceful and orderly in its grid-like system; and the view of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and other attractions helps you appreciate the city in a new way. The view from 1000 feet is different from the ground floor.
Often, our prayers resemble that when they are focused on the anxiety of the “street level” in our lives - our health, finances, relationships and decisions. Thankfully, Jesus cares about the chaotic troubles of this world; but he also invites us to see the world from God’s perspective. That’s what prayer does; and specifically, that’s what the Lord’s Prayer does. Whenever we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done," we are praying with a view from 1000 feet; and that perspective helps us to see things differently. |
