My daughter loves scenic views. If we go to a new city, she’s always on the lookout for a great view from up high. The Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower, Gellért Hill (Budapest). So it came as no surprise to me when she said one of her senior life tips for a group she’s in was to look up more. She paused, got this wistful sound in her voice, and said that people miss out on the sky far too much. I could almost picture her looking up with a big smile on her face. (We were talking on the phone.)
Look up, Child
I’ve been thinking about that, and I think she’s right. I’ve had a lot to do lately. Besides my day job, I’m also trying to get a business started, finish a novel, and be a better friend, mom, wife, and daughter. And taking time to look up hasn’t been on my “To Do” list.
As a matter of fact, I often say I’ve “got my head down working.” And I do. I sit in a common area at work, and I’ll often get asked if so-and-so left or came in, and I usually have no clue because my eyes are glued to my screen.
But the blinders are coming off.
The Daily Office
I recently finished reading Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero. That’s where I heard about a practice called the Daily Office. I’d never heard of this before. Within my narrow Baptist roots, it never came up. But I thought I’d give it a try.
And in case you’re like me, here’s my rough definition:
The Daily Office is taking time at set points throughout your day to connect with God.
Remembering to do this was a bit of challenge, but then I realized I could set the alarm on my phone for a certain time, and that’s worked pretty well. Sometimes I push the snooze button for a while because I’m busy, but eventually, I pull myself away, separate from everything else for a few moments, and focus on God.
Now, I might not be doing it the normal way, but let me tell you, it’s been amazing, and I don’t even know why exactly. Except that maybe God is amazing, and that’s really, truly enough.
In the Whisper
Somehow, I’m a little closer to God now than I was before I started stopping everything in my mid-afternoon. I don’t feel more spiritual. I haven’t memorized anything or prayed for extended periods of time. But I’m different and the way I see things is different … deeper—like it will all be okay because God is.
Maybe you’re looking for a little more to that last sentence, but there isn’t anything else. God is, and that’s enough. That’s everything.
So slow down, sweet peeps. Look up, be still, take a deep breath and know that you’re not alone.
And let me know how are you doing with your busy days? Got any verses to share or words of wisdom? I’d love to hear them. Just hit reply if you received this post as an email and write me back or leave your thoughts in the comments below for the world to see!
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Check out my short story “The Door” on page 41.
