look up

Today as I was walking through the beautiful UCLA campus, I noticed that my eyes were oriented towards the ground. Although I walked in vastly open areas with few people scattered in the distance, I remained fixed on the bricks my toes would cross next.


Until I looked up.


I glanced ahead and saw a picturesque silhouette of trees crouching over the path I walked along. It struck me then that I had been so distracted, and even mindless, with my walking that I was missing out on the beauty that characterizes this renowned college campus. Because I failed to look up, I missed out on fully enjoying this walk across campus.


It may be a stretch, but these thoughts reminded me of the subject that Brian occasionally preaches on, namely the eternity of God. I always find these sermons to be extraordinarily refreshing, as so often my perspective is clouded with the here and now. It is food for my hungry soul that aches for truth to the highest degree...to know that God is so much bigger and more awesome than I could ever fathom is settling.


I was reminded of a few verses when dwelling on this today:
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4) "Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!”
For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. ... "For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?


So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:1-4, 9-12)


I so desperately need to be reminded to "look up" and see that the same God who loves me is one that has passed the test of time. Our lives pass in the blink of an eye, yet He cares for and nourishes His children. He was there before the beginning of time and will exist forever, and we are privileged to know Him intimately.