This time of year, if you take a walk through the woods with your eyes on the trail, you’ll note languishing undergrowth, shriveled toward the dusty ground.
Daylight has waned, temperatures have cooled, and plant life is beginning to wither. Not an inspiring sight.
But what if you look up? The trees display a cacophony of autumn color: golden yellow, burnt orange, and scarlet red. The brilliance can take your breath away.
And you’re reminded: Depending on where you look, you can be discouraged by dullness or uplifted by grandeur.
* * *
Take a look at your calendar or planner for next month. No doubt you’ll find some upcoming responsibilities you’d like to eliminate: the dentist appointment, your flu shot, getting the car serviced, and more—not the way you’d like to spend your time.
But what if you focus on upcoming delights such as the get-togethers of your small group or Bible study partners? The lunch date with old friends? A fun community event? Now the upcoming month doesn’t look so disheartening.
And you realize: Depending on where you look, you can become dispirited by dread or uplifted by anticipation.
* * *
Watch or listen to the news and you’ll hear about the cruelty, criminality, and dishonesty in our world. Overexposure to the mayhem can lead to anxiety and depression.
But what if you balance the necessity of being informed with the joy of being inspired?
Meditate on such Bible psalms as #16, #23, #103, and #145 to replenish your spirit with truth and hope. Turn to such websites as https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ that offer articles about troubles relieved, problems solved.
Volunteers help with reconstruction after an earthquake in Haiti
And you’ll find: Depending on where you look, you can be discouraged by widespread wrongdoing or encouraged by the perfections of God and his activity around the world.
* * *
It’s easy to fixate on the disappointing and maddening stuff of each day, then tell someone else about it, and grumble together how people can be so incompetent, rude, and thoughtless.
But what if you look for the gracious people and share their stories–the kind interstate driver who let you merge into a tight line of traffic? The pharmacy cashier with the consistent and genuine smile? The school volunteer who faithfully reads to the kindergartners each week—from her wheelchair?
And you discover: Depending on where you look, the atmosphere can be clouded by negativity or brightened with positivity.
* * *
A change of view
can produce a heart renewed
—depending on where you look.
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And we are in charge of where we look.
Indeed, Beth! It may help to keep our spirits renewed if we preplan where we’re going to look each day.
Yes!
I like your perspective and wisdom in your post today! Stay positive in the chaos. Well done.
Thank you, Dwight. It can be a challenge to stay positive in the chaos. But God has shown us the way (Philippians 4:8)–we just need to follow!
You are welcome.
Depending on where we look, we can gain or lose. Looking up brings beauty and joy and peace
That’s the best place to look, isn’t it–UP. Psalm 89:15-17a comes to mind!
Amen 🙏🏽
Love this post. Depending on where you look- I needed this reminder. Thank you so much Nancy. This blessed me today.
Praise God this post blessed you, Manu. And now you’ve blessed me back with your encouragement!
Wonderful reminder! Looking up we see the goodness of God–even in times of trouble.
Amen, Linda. You’ve reminded me of something Aliza Latta wrote: “There is always good because there is always God . . . even when nothing else around us is good. His presence in the midst of our deepest pain is a good gift indeed” (Take Heart, 162). Strong truth! (But I may need a reminder when trouble appears.)
I just finished The Watchmaker’s Daughter this week. It is a biography of Corrie ten Boom written by Larry Loftis. As I read it, I wondered how she and her sister Betsie made it through each day in the concentration camp. I think your quote explains it well.
Corrie’s story is SO inspirational. I read her book, The Hiding Place, years ago and it left a lasting impact on my life. The sisters’ faith and strength in horrific circumstances gives proof of God’s sustaining power! / As for the quote, Aliza was a young widow when she wrote the devotional that the quote comes from. Another voice of experience speaking strong truth we can all take to heart.
Thank you, Nancy for your positive look at life. Some days it seems impossible to find them, but you manage to sift through the muck and bring us hope with each of your posts.
Thank you, Kathy. Praise God for his inspiration that leads me to find the positive truths, perspectives, and stories that brighten our spirits
May we all continue to look up to the Lord that He might fill us with all contentment and beauty in the midst of the muck and mire at our feet, Nancy. Beautiful and timely post. Blessings!
Thank you, Martha, for the encouragement and for your prayer. We CAN be filled with contentment and beauty, even in the midst of the muck. Hallelujah! (May I remember that promise when I start to become mired!)
Love the reminder! perspective is important.
Amen, R. H. So glad you found this reminder-post to be meaningful. Indeed, perspective can be life-changing!
Depending on where you look – what a great reminder. up, down and all around. I think it is so important to pay attention and to notice, name and stay awake to what is going on around us and within us. to listen for and to God and with God. If we watch and listen we will see the Holy all around won’t we?
Well said, Jean! And when we do watch and listen for the Holy all around us, we experience God’s love, joy, and peace much more profoundly. I pray he guide our eyes and ears to see evidence of his presence and take note of each blessing!
Perspective is everything! We get to choose where we look, what we focus on. We get to choose what our minds dwell on. This is a wonderful reminder that we can focus on the darkness that the enemy keeps pushing our way or the light that is Jesus in us who are His. God is never hiding. I love this! Thanks, Nancy.
And I love your comment, Dayle! In years past I would sometimes find myself wallowing in negativity before realizing, “This is downright foolish! I’m accomplishing nothing here except depressing myself!” And then I’d do my best to turn my mind to praise and gratitude. Now that I’m older, the turnaround to things excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8) happens more quickly. (I pray that lesson doesn’t have to be relearned sometime in the future!)
Depending on where you look, the atmosphere can be clouded by negativity or brightened with positivity.
Thank you, Nancy. This post is inspiring and helpful in this particular time that we are living!
Yes, it seems we’re bombarded by negativity these days. It’s worth fighting back, though, isn’t it. Maybe we can lighten the load of a few others along the way too. We can find ways to support, uplift, and compliment others–depending on where we look! 😁
Hi Nancy,
Yes, looking at something from another viewpoint changes everything and us. The world may not have changed, but we have. Thank you,
Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
I like that challenge, Gary. Even if the world doesn’t change, we can be changed. Praise God for his strength to do so working within us (Ephesians 4:22-24)!
I scrolled through the home page of the Good News Network and marveled how every single article was uplifting. What a great resource to raise our spirits. My wife and I have long since given up watching the news on television. I remember shaking my head at their habit of, “And before we sign off, a feel-good story”. Finally? Why not begin the broadcast with it? News feeds are much better. We can choose what we read (or even see), not to mention keep the update brief so we can move on to more important matters of the day.
Perhaps a Good News Network story-a-day will keep discouragement at bay! Sounds like you and your wife have found a good way to stay informed without overdosing on current events.
Also, cacophony is a wonderful word 🙂
I like it too!
Aaron has a habit of looking down on the ground when we take walks or even when we walk across the parking lot to go in a store. I’m always telling him to LOOK UP! Not only for his safety but also to see the beauty around us as we walk. You described this concept so well as we walk through this life. Look up and see the beauty. And I have noticed that if I am looking around me as I walk through a store, there are many people with whom I can share a smile and they almost always smile back. We all need to communicate like that with those around us if we just look around us and see them. We have no idea who needs that smile! Blessings to you, Nancy!
Amen to every word, Patty! Smiles and a friendly hello do wonders for the giver as well as the receiver. / Some years ago I wrote a post, Here We Go A-Marveling, based on a story of a long-ago family who went on a walk most Sunday afternoons, looking for evidence of God’s marvels. Perhaps Aaron would like to try the activity!
He does love to take walks. We have fun pointing out all the miracles of God’s creation, from little seeds or berries to huge old trees. We have a fun thing between us when we watch a nature show or as Aaron reads a book about the earth or animals. When he hears or reads any phrase that points to evolution, we make a thumbs down. He laughs and laughs at that, but he sure does know that we believe in the Biblical account of creation.
What a beautiful post, Nancy! It’s amazing how much we can set the tone of our lives!
Good point, Wynne. We don’t have to live as victims of our surroundings or circumstances. (Remind me of that when I get discouraged or distracted!!)
Great advice, Nancy, and awesome post. 🙂
Thank you, Nancy!
amen, Nancy! Gracious people are everywhere!
Yes they are. We mustn’t let them be overshadowed by the thoughtless folks out there! Thank you, Stacey!
Inspiring. ❤
I’m so glad you found inspiration here, Anna. Praise God for his inspiration!
Undoubtedly, it was the Holy Spirit at work. But you were His instrument, Nancy. ❤
Thank you, Anna.
So timely, thank you! Now, as ever, angle counts‚ often more than we dare imagine . . .
Indeed, Laurie, there are many places where we can find misery, upheaval, danger, and more. Angle counts a great deal, just as you say. We do well to seek what is true, noble, and right, pure, admirable, and lovely, whatever is excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8)–THIS is where we look.
Definitely needed this reminder to look up. With all the negative ads and stories on this election, one can get angry, frustrated, depressed. But looking up to Jesus, all is well. Thanks for the reminder.
You’re welcome, Barb. I needed the reminder too! Looking up definitely provides the best perspective.
Beautiful post! It is so important to keep our focus positive. Staying connected to the beauty around us and God’s word keeps us in good stead.
Thank you, and AMEN, Linda!
This time of year is, indeed, gorgeous! I’ve been focusing on the wonder of God’s creation of everything. As Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well”.
Today I had a dental appointment. No cavities!!!
And I had to change my auto and home insurance which can be a hassle but it went smoothly and the agent was a born-again Christian!
A very good day, thanks to my Blessed Savior.
Hallelujah for every good gift our heavenly Father distributes! Thank you for sharing, Cheri. Rejoicing with you lifts OUR spirits too!
Wonderful blog—appreciate this reminder–of what to focus on! Thank you!! 🙂 (The fall colors are wonderful–aren’t they!!)
Thank you, Katie. We’re reveling in the fall foliage too. Each season brings delights, doesn’t it–depending on where you look!
Exactly–depending on where you look! 🙂
Love the fall colors… does bring life to be out in the woods.
Amen to that, Sam! Beauty, fresh air, and stillness are balm for the soul.
Thank you for a mindful post to look at the glass half full rather than half empty!!❤️ We can make the choice to be optimistic!!
Indeed we can! In fact, “the glass half full rather than half empty” and thoughts aoubt optimism actually sparked an idea for a post in 2022: Better-than-Optimism. You might enjoy it, Alicia!
Thank you❤️
“Up-timism” I love that from the post you shared!! Very fitting..as a Christian, we’ll have struggle but as long as we’re looking to Him we have hope and a right outlook. ❤️
Amen to that, Alicia! I can’t imagine living without hope in Christ and the right outlook he provides!