Which Way Are You Looking?

Over and over Scripture tells us to look up. Look to Jesus. Look forward (for the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the Cross). It is so easy to focus on the problems or circumstances, feelings or physical pain of the moment. This circumstance is usually screaming "Pay Attention to ME". How do you then turn away and look up or forward? I have watched my Lord over and over gently point me in that positive direction. I must get very quiet to see or hear His direction. Even getting quiet is not the natural human reaction to a problem. Do you remember a parent or teacher telling you to count to 10 before you respond in anger? Maybe in those 10 seconds, we can allow our emotions to separate themselves from our thoughts and especially our words. In those moments we have the opportunity to look up and see His answer, His words, His plans and choose His response. I had that opportunity the other day, when a person that I was counseling responded sarcastically to a comment that I had made. I felt that fire inside and a equally sarcastic comment was forming in my mouth. I was able to count and pray. Out of my mouth came an apology for the miscommunication. The person accepted the apology and then offered one of their own. I really believe that only God can keep us humans in loving relationships. We are so focused on our own pain that we forget to look up and see the pain He endured to free us. Those whom God has freed are free indeed. God bless you my loved ones.