LOOKING

verb: directing one’s attention, directing the eyes

“But I missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way...” Psalm 73:2-3

I am guilty of looking at my phone. A lot. There’s so much happening on there! Important texts, Instagram posts, Facebook messages, calendar reminders, the latest news, games, and so much more. No judgment from me if you like to look at your phone too…

Last week, after nine days away, I was so excited to be walking on the beach near my home.  The day was gorgeous. Deep blue water, hazy sunshine, bright white ferry boats, and rugged green islands across the sound. I had almost forgotten how beautiful it was, how much it filled my soul to breathe it in. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the view.

But as I headed back, I noticed several people who were sitting on the beach–head down, bent over, totally focused on their phones. Not once did any of them look up or look around. One of the most beautiful views in the world was right in front of them. And they were missing it completely.

And I can so relate.

How many times have I done this with the goodness of God? The beauty, the peace, the exciting life that he offers–right there in front of me–and I don’t even bother to look?

Something else demands my attention, diverting my eyes. Something else is keeping me so distracted and busy that I just keep my head down. It happens way too much.

I don’t want to go through my days like this. I don’t want to spend all my energy focusing on things that ping and buzz and pop-up at me. Things that keep me in my own little circle of stress and guilt and self. I want to look up, look around, look into the eyes of the person I’m with. I want to see flowers and the dirt they grow in, colorful skies and rain-filled clouds, crowded streets and quiet benches, joy-filled smiles and honest tears.

Because that’s where Jesus is.

I want to see more of Him…

Invite him in:

Look up to Jesus. Take in the beauty that is all around you. He is in it all, and he has so much to show you. Keep your eyes on him, even in the things that are hard, scary, and disappointing. Let him lift your eyes, your heart to a bigger picture of his goodness and his overwhelming love for you.