“Unintentional Blindness”
Some time ago two researchers filmed some college students passing basketballs while moving in a circular fashion. In the middle of this short film, a woman dressed as a gorilla walked in the frame, beats her chest and walks out. The sequence took nine seconds in the minute-long video.
Viewers were given instructions, “Count the number of passes by the players wearing white shirts.” Of course, this test wasn’t for their pass counting abilities, the researchers wanted to see if the viewers would notice something they weren’t looking for. Something as obvious as a gorilla!
Amazingly, more than half the viewers missed the intruder! How is that possible? The experiment should make us wonder about how many obvious things we walk by each day without noticing. Things like a co-worker that is having an exceptionally bad day. Someone that could use a smile or a friendly “hello” but we’re to occupied to notice.
The first century Pharisee’s make a good case study. They were so focused on their self-made laws that they couldn’t see the miracles happening right before their eyes. Jesus healed the invalid by the pool, the man with a withered hand, a man born blind, and others, on the Sabbath. This infuriated the Pharisees they were quick to complain. They were so blinded by their legalism they couldn’t see the physical healings of these individuals.
Are there times we’re so focused on our busyness, agendas, and work issues that we fail to see the miraculous things God is doing for and around us on a daily basis? It makes me wonder, how many gorillas are in plain sight, but you and I fail to see them. Might be something worth thinking about as we go through our week. Let’s be more observant.
Pastor Carnes
