My husband used to say this somewhat obvious, yet meaningless phrase. It was something he said as filler in a conversation. It generally drew looks of confusion, nervous laughter, and a change of subject.
Which is exactly what Darren hoped for.
Tug sometimes generates the same reaction.
Yet when he's here at the kennel, he's gentle, obedient and only politely curious about the other dogs. But he's HUGE compared to the other dogs. Here's his paw compared to my size 7 foot.
How often do I jump to conclusions from the outward appearance of another person (or a dog)? We all do it. We understand why often (huge dog=scary), but that doesn't mean it's okay. In other words, "Understandable doesn't mean it's acceptable." I need to remind myself that perception is not reality.
Sometimes truth is the same way - it looks one way, but it is actually another. It requires work, research, and reflection to consider what is true as opposed to we "feel."
"For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7). In a world and culture that does all in its power to deceive, obfuscate, and corrupt, each of us need to remember that only God's word is timeless and unchanging. There, we can find truth that is not a restriction and kill-joy, but one that is the prescription of the best way to live. God doesn't demand we follow His rules. Instead, He's given us something we can choose to follow - as a gift from a loving Father.
It's a time to be diligent for the truth and kind in all things. Fill yourself up with Jesus, and love will come right back out - but only His pure, perfect love, not our stinky conditional kind.
If you're driving down the road, and see this face looking back at you, don't be afraid. Things aren't always what they seem, either in the side mirror or straight ahead. Check the plum line of God's word for unchanging truth.
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