Sense: a thought
Feb 4, 2016
Can you feel it? Imagine the soft brush of cloth against your skin, the subtle settling of a snowflake on your shoulder, the gentle caress of a loved one. Listen carefully to the rush of a passing car and the flittering sound of voices rising and falling. Open your eyes to capture a passing cloud, a line of poetry, a smiling face. Let flowers and the smell of rain on concrete fill your nose. Taste the umami of life. It will settle on your taste buds like a familiar friend.
You are standing in front of a mirror. This is not just any mirror, however. You are looking upon the image of God. Genesis 1:27 notes “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him”. However, when I try to visualize God’s image, I do not immediately imagine myself (with all of my imperfections and idiosyncrasies). Yet, my image is just as much me as it is Him. How can this be?
So much of our experience on Earth is defined by our senses – touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste. These senses give texture to our memories and lend meaning to the simple stimuli that make up the present. Our interactions, mediated through our senses, compose the fabric of Life. Have we ever stopped to wonder why we desire, reminisce upon, and value sensation? Why does this blessing make up such an integral component of who we are? All of this is possible because we exist as God’s image.
Senses were not made for one’s solitary pleasure – one cannot even “sense” in complete isolation. We were blessed with senses in order to share joy, spread love, and reflect the image of Him. A touch is more than a light press; it is a way to connect physically with our brothers and sisters. A sound is not just a wave that travels through the ear; it is a way to express yourself and connect with your environment. Sight allows you to admire God’s Creation in its earthly form, to appreciate even the little things. To smell is to inhale the colors of the world carried on the wind. A taste helps one encounter cultures, rich flavors, and savor the zest of life.
Look in the mirror and look out into the world. It is amazing what beauty you will find. Sense it.
