Sherlock Holmes on Seeing versus Observing

Sherlock Holmes, speaking to Watson on the prowess of his deductive skills, said:

“You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.”

“Frequently.”

“How often?” “Well, some hundreds of times.”

“Then how many are there?” “How many? I don’t know.”

“Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is just my point."

I find myself experiencing the same problem with Scripture. I read it and yet I miss the meaning. I see without truly observing. It takes hard work, prayerful observation, and illumination of the Spirit to unlock the rich's of God's Word.

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Source: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 Doyle)