Looking Up
On the busiest weekend that I’ve had in many months, I share with you one of my favorite doggie devotionals, especially when accompanied by the photo. Only by looking up will I be able to make it through the next few days with calm and grace. May the same be true for you as well.
Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. —Hebrews 12:2
Sammy looks up to me—literally. His legs measure four inches long. Standing, he is ten inches tall from the top of his head to the floor.
Whenever I work in the kitchen, he usually lies nearby, looking up, watching and waiting for the appearance of food; and when it does make the scene, he is on his feet . . . looking up. I chop vegetables, saw meat, cut bread—he sees and lets me know with barks that he is at my feet, ready to catch whatever morsel may drop; and his vigilance pays off.
As we take a constitutional around the neighborhood, he sniffs, squats, and lifts a leg. But when I give a command, he looks up. As I sit at the computer, he often sits in companionable closeness, looking up at me. In fact, because he is ten inches tall and I’m five foot, three inches, during our waking hours, he’s always looking up, his warm brown eyes holding a question or an expectation, a surprise or sorrow. Usually, his expression is one of subjection and compliance; sometimes it is of stubbornness and anger.
I wonder: How does God see me looking up? Do I look up to Him as continually as Sam looks up to me? How often is He stabbed by my sharp expression of obstinacy? I know that I frequently look up with questions like why. Do I expect as much from Him as He has promised? Often, I am surprised when He keeps His promises—whether they be of provision or of judgment. I know that I love Him and feel great gratitude for His even greater goodness. Is all of this seen in the expression of my eyes?
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Dear Abba God,
In spite of my emotions—or because of them—may I look up to you even more, surrendering to your omnipotence, holiness, and love.
In the Savior’s grace, amen.
Beautifully said! Thank you for my new morning mantra.🙏❤️
Gratifying to see your response, Cheryl. Thanks for reading, and I’m glad to provide a morning mantra for you.
Well done, Linda, with your parallel thoughts of Sammy’s constant looking up to you just as we can / should be looking up to God.
Thanks for the support, Gail. I think that the photo beautifully pictures the idea of looking up to God. I’m glad that you think so, too.
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” Psalm 105:4 & I Chronicles 16:11 Superb photo depicting Sammy (and our) hopeful assurance!