Look Up! Take Notice!

Where do we go from here?

I stood at a crossroads and looked to the left and peered back to the right. The pavement was smooth on both sides and I noticed that the sky was clear all around. Life was calling and I couldn't figure out from what direction the voice was coming from. I looked behind and was surprised to see the road had vanished. The world had stopped to watch the decision that I would make and with great authority I took my first step…

Who have you talked to today? What person have you reconnected with? Is there unfinished business that weighs upon your heart? Are there people who you carry in your soul that need to be reached? When does the time become right to reach out and make amends?

What direction will you choose to walk?

I have met many people in my travels and each one tends to leave an imprint on my heart. There are those people whom I spent a short time with, but can recall vivid details about. Other people have been a part of my life for years and yet I can only give you superficial information about them. Each day people walk in and out of my world with intentions of staying for a while or sometimes they merely pass by with a nod and a smile. I try to remember all of them.....

Many times in our lives we want to isolate ourselves and pretend that this world is very small. It is easier to avoid the risk of friendship than to attempt a relationship that may not pan out in the end. We walk out of our homes and put our eyes to the pavement, not willing to see who is passing in and out of our lives.

It is time to look up and take notice.

We all secretly hope that someday we might get the honored privilege of seeing God in the flesh. In those prayers late at night we send requests of spiritual signs, angels with glowing white wings, and voices that rain down from heaven. In times of trouble there is an outpouring of prayers that request the direct presence of God and the comfort that goes with it. These people sit back and wait for the "miracle" to occur and then walk away disappointed when nothing is perceived to have happened. They walk out their front doors and lower their eyes to the ground…and walk.

If we won't raise our eyes to see who is passing in and out of our lives how will we know when God sends us help or advice? God is always present and tries hard to put people in our path who are going to help us survive. The issue is not whether or not God is helping us…no…the question is whether or not we are aware of the people that God is giving us. How many times in your life has something occurred directly because of someone being inserted into your world? How many times have you been left shaking your head in disbelief when somebody appears out of the blue that seems to have the exact answer you have been looking for? How many times have you seen the work of God first hand?

I stood at a crossroads and looked to the left and peered back to the right. The pavement was smooth on both sides and I noticed that the sky was clear all around. Life was calling and I couldn't figure out from what direction the voice was coming from. I looked behind and was surprised to see the road had vanished. I turned back to the front and saw a man walk by heading to the right. He turned and gestured for me to follow him. I took my first step and the road vanished beneath my feet.

To those people who helped shape me. Thank you.

To those people I never saw pass through my life. I'm sorry.

I'll keep my eyes open next time.