Looking Up is Better than Looking Down

At the beginning of my Musings, almost a year ago, I mentioned that this project was the outcome of something I’ve been involved with at work: The Flock. I teach in a public school, and for at least the last ten years a handful of us have been sending out daily e-messages of hope and encouragement to a fairly large group of teachers and administrators. A number of my Musings have been used in the Flock and vice versa.

Some time ago a Flock reader asked me how it was possible to see spiritual applications for so many events, situations, and happenings in my life. As most readers will recognize, that is the type of message I like to send out. My response at the time was that I felt I saw connections because I genuinely felt the presence of the Lord and His leading hand in my life and the life of my family. I guess when I know the Lord is there, I expect to see the effects of His presence and expect to have spiritual insights. So I give praise to Him for any good thoughts that have come out through these musings.

But the past few months have been a little heavier on the heart than I might desire. Things at work have been piling up. Things at home have been piling up. Don’t ask about the light at the end of the tunnel. At times I’ve not been sure I was even in the tunnel. Related to this, for the past few months I've found it hard to come up with sufficient ideas for my Blog. Have you ever felt discouraged or overburdened?

Maybe that is connected to the malaise I’ve been feeling lately: I’ve also been experiencing a spiritual malaise. I don’t mean I have been having doubts; I’ve not been questioning Him. I guess (No, I know) the problem has been that I’ve not been spending as much time with Him as I should. When I’m not putting Him in my life, I’m not seeing Him in my life. Does that make sense?

Having recognized this, there is only one solution: grab onto Him again and hang on. Life hasn’t changed, so there are still lots of things to be seen and written about, whether it involve children at my school or animals or plants out in the wild. God is still in control, and can bring the insights. It is so comforting to know that He has promised to always be there when we're struggling, to support, to guide, to comfort. All I can say is praise His name. He has never failed me yet (He never will!).

By the way, did you notice in the news earlier this week that a hand-written letter by the famous Dr. Einstein is up for auction, a letter in which he derides the scripture and idea of a personal God? I just checked things out today. God is still there, alive and well. I talked to Him. Einstein? He’s been dead about fifty years.

I know in whom I believe.

Dr. G