Looking Up!

This photo was on my phone’s camera roll.  It must have been taken accidentally as it was a surprise when I went through my pictures.  Many times I’ve been drawn to it, because it highlights something important - the act of “looking up.

The photo also reminds of a phrase my counselor, Don, told me on numerous occasions:   “Look up! Feel up!  Look down! Feel down.”  That simple act is not a be-all, end-all solution to feeling sad, down or depressed; but, it’s an easy phrase to remember and an easy thing to do to help me remember the good things around me and not be so self-absorbed looking down at myself or feeling down about myself.  

When I drive to work I’m often reminded to look up as I go under the large banner on the IUPUI campus that says:  “Head Up!  Phone Down!” With my head up I see the sky – the vibrant blue sky and fluffy white clouds in the photo.  It is where we often think of God being, up in the sky, although we know God is with us and within us at all times.  

Another reminder of looking up comes from the hit song Bohemian Rhapsody with the lyrics – “Look up to the sky and see.”  (Have you seen the movie?  Should I go see it?)  

And then there is the very encouraging Psalm 121 that was in my devotions this week, and one I use when I visit people:

I look up toward the mountains.

Where can I find help?

My help comes from the Lord,

the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let you fall.

Your guardian will not fall asleep.

Indeed, the Guardian of Israel never rests or sleeps.

The Lord is your guardian.

The Lord is the shade over your right hand.

The sun will not beat down on you during the day,

        nor will the moon at night.

The Lord guards you from every evil.

He guards your life.

The Lord guards you as you come and go,

now and forever.

This week may you look up to the skies and see!