What do you see?

So what do you see when you look up? Let's see, right now I see a white popcorn ceiling...some webs and not much else.  I have often used the words "look up" as a spiritual way to encourage someone that there is a big God up there.  Really?  Depending where they are standing or sitting and depending if they are looking with physical or spiritual eyes will determine their outlook.  I believe I need to maybe add a little to the words "look up".

My heart daughter Brooke recently was witnessing to a loved one about her faith. She proceeded to tell this person, "How can you look at the mountains, or a perfect sunset and not know there is a God who created them and that this God loves you?"  Her witness had a positive response.



When I stand at the shoreline and look at the ocean, I see such vastness and power.  God created this body of water where my feet stand, and I feel so small.

Some days when I feel overwhelmed and want to know where Jesus is because I cannot feel His presence nor hear His still small voice, I look outside or re-access my surroundings.  If I am driving in the car, I see the busyness of life around me then I see the cars with families in them, vans with elderly people in them and I see people who are walking and taking care of their business.  I realize that I am in a car warm or cool however I want it.  I have gas in my car. Some one was inspired by God to create this type of transportation.  I must be grateful for this "man car" I am driving.  I am blessed we have families in our community that will still ride in a car together, and the elderly have a means to do their business. The pedestrian has legs to walk and maybe wishes he had a car but he still has movement.

Side-note: When I was young my parents had hand me down cars that weren't real pretty.  Mom always keep the cars clean but she couldn't always keep them running.  I remember break downs and wishing we had more dependable cars.  So now when I see any one broke down at the side of the road broke down, I genuinely pray that they will be provided with dependable transportation. Funny thing though, last night we were right next to a small car at a stop light.  This guy kept opening his door then start to get out and then jump back in.  I locked our doors assuming there was a violent domestic thing going on.  Right about that time a huge deluge of rain and hail broke loose and as we passed this little car the man jumped out and opened the car's front hood and I could see the hazard lights on.  Their car had broke down.  I felt horrible and prayed for them.

It is not so much "looking up" but "looking around" as well as up.  Jesus is right beside us and omnipresent.  I may not feel Him, or hear Him but if I look around, I will see him at work, or in the beauty of our environment be it nature's beauty or the beauty of life in a city of high rise buildings. He is "available" to us.  We need to seek Him in everyday things, show gratitude and get in the Bible to truly know Him.

Back to my popcorn ceiling with webs.  I see the provision of shelter from the rain, wind, and hail we experienced last night.  I am thankful for warmth and staying dry.  As for the webs, I am reminded, it is Thursday girl!  Be obedient and clean your humble abode that God has given you.

If you are struggling for more faith, more joy and comfort, then I encourage you to look up and around.  Seek His presence and find something to be thankful for, because it's all about Him and He has a plan for you each day.  It may be removing dust and webs.  Thankful He provided arms and the ability, and showing Him you appreciate His provision of a home.

As for me, I still struggle with contentment but daily aim for it and it starts with saying "thank you Lord".  Thank you for this home that is too small and feels like living in a tube.  Thank you for my "man car". Sorry I am a car snob because I miss my comfy, soft leather, quiet, sun roofed car with all the bells and whistles.  Thank you for my husband having a job.  Thank you for friends who read my diatribes of my life experiences on this blog.  Thank you for the gift of vision so I can "look up"!