Look Up!

Since my retirement, I have been reflecting on how much easier it has become to spend time with Jesus and enjoy a deeper sense of closeness with Him. The story of Doubting Thomas came to mind. In John 20:29b (NIV), Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

I am familiar with the story of Thomas, who wanted to see Jesus and His scars before he would believe that Jesus was alive and had truly appeared to the other disciples. Yet I did not immediately understand how this Scripture connected to me. That’s when Jesus spoke to my heart: “Blessed are those who work and still find time to be near Me.”

The truth became clear. I had allowed the stress of my job and long workdays to create distance between Abba Father and me.

On September 29, 2024, at the Kindle the Flame Conference, I heard the words “Look up”—a reminder to keep my focus on Him. At the time, I thought it was the first time I had heard this message. Later, however, I came across a poem I had written in 2007 and realized it was not.

A Warm Winter’s Prayer

Warm my ears, O God,

so I may hear Your comforting voice –

encouraging, instructing, and leading me.

Your voice in my mind; my spirit rejoices.

Warm my nose, O God,

so I may see beyond my selfish desires –

putting You first, then others.

“LOOK UP!” You called. Humbly, I submitted.

Warm my hands, O God,

so I may serve You generously –

time, talent, and treasure, the gifts to share.

Bringing honor, praise, and glory to Your name.

Warm my feet, O God,

so I may walk the paths You choose –

You are the Light Who guides me.

Strengthened and encouraged, I follow Your truth.

But most of all,

Warm my heart, O God,

so I’ll be a mirror of Your love –

reflecting You in me and through me.

Ears, nose, hands, and feet,

I am Your clay; shape me into a usable vessel.

Through the years, God has been reminding me of the poem I wrote so long ago.

I want this blog post to serve as a reminder to those who juggle full schedules—whether at the office or on the home front. No matter what is happening around you, make time to spend with Jesus, always looking up. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us not to focus on the distractions surrounding us, but to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Run the race He has set before you. As you do, your heart will reflect the Lord and become the ears, hands, and feet of Jesus to those around you.