Looking Up - Absorbed by that Awe-some Action

“...Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.” Colossians 3:2


So much in our lives beat on us, get thrown at us, and press down on us. The expectations are on us to “perform and deliver” a great Christmas. If we get focused on it all we miss what’s ahead. We may forget to look up and see all the wonder that God brings into our everyday lives through Christmas. 
The people we love
“just by chance” encounters
The unexpected
The sweetness
His love for us.

Looking up in the middle of it all can move us to celebrate and honor our daily steps and routines. We become more aware of breath, touch, taste, sights, and sounds that we took for granted just a second ago. 

Christmas is all those things.
Was it one of those days today? Don’t shuffle along with your eyes to the ground. Don’t be absorbed in it. Look up and be alert to what God is doing and has done all around you. 

Be absorbed by that awe-some action - 
The kids at play
Your pets’ endearing eyes
A loved ones soft touch, sweet smile or huge bear hugs
The smell of dinner on the stove
My favorite, a co-workers totally fun and significant laughter
Your favorite song on the radio
Let’s make this Christmas a true celebration of love for family and friends this year. Let’s choose to start each day in the practice of looking up and being absorbed in His love so we can give it away.

What can you allow yourself to be absorbed by that will cause you to look up this season?

15 comments:

Unknown said...

There is nothing better than looking up and truly living in each moment God grants us. Great post!

Lisa notes... said...

I love the simplicity yet profoundness of that one simple thing: looking up. May we all remember to do that more and more this Christmas season so we can spread his love around.

Cheryl Allen Salinas said...

So well said, Jeri!

Heather said...

looking up, how true that is - we get so use to looking around or down....we fail to take the time to look up. Thank you for the post.

Bonnie Gray said...

Hi sweet Jeri! I love that Colossians text you launched this post on! I'm not familiar with this version and it really spoke to me. What an encouragement to stop shuffling! :) Thanks for unwrapping together!

Unknown said...

We'll be looking up together today and this season. God Bless. I'm so encouraged that we're unwrapping together.

Sarah said...

Looking up, all we really need to do.

Delighted to meet you today. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing place to get drenched in His goodness.

Splashin'
Sarah

Lindsay Wolf said...

It has most definitely been one of those days. Thank you for this Jeri!

Unknown said...

@Sarah - splash around and have fun. The playground is open :D

@Lindsay - my heart to yours girl, so much love.

Sheryl said...

It's such a challenge to be fully present some days. It's one of my goals for this Christmas season with my family.

Kelli said...

I love this "Let’s choose to start each day in the practice of looking up and being absorbed in His love so we can give it away." Absorbed in His love. Not just love for us but for us to give away. Something really great to think about!

JACQUELYNN said...

Seeing nativity scenes and remembering the REAL reason for this season.

Great post!

Papi's Girl said...

Amen. Love your post. We must celebrate "Christ" everyday. He lives in us and manifests His love through us each and everyday if we surrender our hearts. His blessings are abundant and can be seen even in the little moments that others may see as insignificant. God bless you for sharing your heart. :)

Unknown said...

@Kelli - Very true, so we can give his love away. Love that.

@Jacquelyn - Now every time we pass a nativity scene we'll remember the real reason and think of you too!

@ Papi's girl - surrendering our hearts, how very peaceful. Thank you. Good luck and blessings in your running.

Unknown said...

@Sheryl - That is truly an awesome goal to have! Being mindful and fully present helps us see so much more and receive so much more. You go girl!