I received a phone call from my daughter yesterday saying she was heading to the hospital. But it wasn’t for the new baby, it was for my grandson. He had croup and his doctor’s office suggested she take him in to be checked.

By the time I got there, he had two treatments and was resting comfortably. However, he needed to stay for three hours before they would release him.

It was a small room and as Percy felt better, this room became even smaller. There simply wasn’t enough to do. So we tried to keep him occupied with games, singing, food, and pacing.

His nurse had given him a stuffed penguin and with the help of the trash can, we were able to catapult this creature across the room. Percy squealed with laughter each time his newest toy flew through the air.

There were two other things going on as well in this little room. I went to the cafeteria to get Bethany something to eat and while I was there, a bright light set up the beginning of a migraine. I had the sparkling auras in my left eye, and then my left hand went numb. The headache began soon after. I took some medicine and I asked God to intervene. I’m sure these two measures helped to keep it mild. But I really felt horrible.

However, I pushed through it because Bethany and Percy needed me.

You see, Bethany was also timing contractions. We discussed a game plan if she did go into labor, but as the afternoon turned into evening, the contractions slowed. No baby yet!

Throughout the day I was reminded of the video we took during our family Christmas gathering. The camera was focused on the one who was opening presents, but Percy was in and out of the shot. Doing silly things. He wasn’t the main focus, but he had something to add to the making of this video.

There is an account of a similar instance in the book of Acts. King Herod was determined to put an end to the Church. He had killed one Apostle and had Peter arrested and planned to try him publicly.

With great concern, Herod had armed guards placed near Peter and even connected to him. But God’s plan for Peter was bigger and greater than Herod’s.

During the night, an angel woke Peter and led him out of the prison house. Peter was dazed, thinking it was a vision, but when he came around, he went to a follower’s home. The mother of John Mark. A group of believers had been praying in this home for Peter’s safety.

When the servant girl asked who was at the door, she was excited that it was Peter and she forgot to open the door. She ran to tell the others. They did not believe her. They could not believe her.

Peter was persistent and eventually, they opened the door to find Peter standing there. He told the story of his escape and then left the group.

You see, this group thought their prayer meeting was the most important part of the evening, but in reality, the answer to their prayer was. Peter standing outside that door was.

We tend to get wrapped up in our own lives and miss the important elements that God places in our path. I know I’ve missed many opportunities, people, and answered prayers because of my tunnel vision.

So here’s another resolution for the New Year. I’d love for God to show me the important pieces I’m missing. For God to help me in this area of my life. To take the focus off of myself and place it on someone or something in need.

What about you? Do you feel this is an area of your life where you struggle? If so, why not ask God to do the same for you?

Today I choose to look at my world through panoramic eyes. To look at the whole scene, not just the one directly before me. I pray the same thing for you!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna