If you’re a writer/author, editor, agent, publisher, marketing professional, or in any way are affiliated with producing reading materials for the masses, this message is for you. But it is equally applicable to a much broader audience. Readers, I’m looking at you, particularly anyone with a spine-crushing workload, myriad family obligations, or other pursuits that keep you running in circles day in and day out. Or maybe you’re that person who simply can’t get your eyes off the phone in your hand.
If you’re one of these folks, then you need to hear this: Stop. Breathe. Look up.
Life Today
Life these days is tuned to warp speed. We are busy people. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Industrious people are often productive people. And I’m certainly not advocating laziness. But let me suggest that in our busyness, we are missing out on so much joy, so much peace, so much fulfillment, and that’s not all. Even with the clarity of perfect hindsight, we often miss what is most important in life until it’s too late.
As a police detective and author, I fall into this trap often. Full disclosure: I am a super-competitive, mission-driven, detail-oriented person. When I have a goal, I assess the landscape, calibrate my time, energy, and resources, and put my head down and work my butt off until the mission is completed. And while this may be a good thing in certain contexts. I sometimes find myself looking back on moments I’ve wasted, opportunities I’ve missed. With people mostly.
The Legacy of Time
A family member of mine recently passed away. He was elderly, and so his death wasn’t entirely unexpected. Nevertheless, it made me realize how often I’ve not been available for family and friends over the years, whether physically, mentally, or otherwise. Regrettably, I know I could have and should have done better in far too many circumstances.
I say all this to encourage you (and I’m talking to myself as well) to make a point of looking up once in a while. In fact, do so more than just once in a while. Do it regularly. Look up and see what’s going on around you. More importantly, look up and take notice of who is around you, cheering you on or perhaps going through one of life’s struggles.
One thing I’ve learned in my twenty-two years as a cop is that everyone is going through something…or is about to. Look up to God and seek what He wants for your life. Look up and cherish the people He has put in your life…at home, at work, at school, at the gym, on your team, at a restaurant, gas station, etc.
What You Should Do
We are all people. And people need people. You have no idea how significant a small word of encouragement, a friendly gesture, or your taking time to listen instead of talking might be to someone. Friends, relatives, and strangers alike. Even those you naturally dislike. And yes, some people seem to go out of their way to make themselves unlovable. I get it. Believe me, I do. In the case of those who choose conceit, apathy, and/or are stubborn in their selfish pursuits, well, sometimes you just have to shake the dust from your feet (see Luke 9:5-6).
My point is that life is busy. Don’t let it pass you by without understanding and appreciating the many blessings you’ve been given. Similarly, don’t miss out on all the opportunities you have to form connections and build relationships with others. Above all, that means getting to know God. If you don’t know Jesus and you still have breath in your lungs, then you still have time. He desperately wants to know you just as you are.
Don’t Waste Your Time on Foolish Things
Ecclesiastes 2:11 says, “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done, and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.” Essentially, this Bible verse is cautioning us to not waste our time chasing foolish things, things that only have meaning here on this side of eternity. Work hard, yes. Play hard, too. But look up and pursue what matters: God’s wisdom and truth. How do you do that? By reading His Word and loving people, by pursuing what is good and righteous. And recognizing and ignoring the vain pursuits of this world.
At the end of the day, the only way to satisfy your soul’s deep longing for meaning, truth, and contentment is to trust God and endeavor to fulfill His plan for your life. And that starts by looking up.
If you want to know more about what it means to know Jesus, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to chat with you.