“Look up, Look down, Look all around”
“Look Up, Long Down, Look All Around”
Hey lovely people! So glad you are here joining me again! Let’s dig deeper 🌸
Is it me or do some days just hit harder than others. Ya’ll, I recently had one of those days, the kind where one discouraging thought quickly spirals into many more, leaving you overwhelmed and weary. It started small: a stressful deadline, a forgotten task, then a never ending to do list staring at me and soon, my mind was consumed by everything that wasn’t going right. Before I knew it, I was in a full-blown mental and emotional spiral. Have you experienced one of those days?
I knew I needed to do something different, so I took a moment to pause. I stepped away from my desk, put on my Birkenstocks, and went outside.
Look Up
As I started to walk, I looked up literally 👏🏾. The sky stretched out above me, vast and unchanging. I was reminded of GOD’s infinite greatness and HIS steady presence. I am learning that in moments when life feels overwhelming, it’s crucial to look up and remember who GOD is: sovereign, constant, and faithful.
“I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help. But then I realize that our true help and protection is only from the Lord, our Creator who made the heavens and the earth.”
Psalms 121:1-2 TPT
Looking up reminded me that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. GOD is my help, my refuge, and my anchor.
Look Down
After looking up, I focused my gaze downward. As I walked, I noticed something small yet beautiful—pine cones scattered along the path. Their intricate design and quiet presence caught my attention. I paused and picked up two of them, holding them as a keepsake of this moment.
I remembered reading, Pine Cones are a reminder of resilience and growth. They protect seeds that, when planted, can grow into towering trees. In that moment, they symbolized hope and the assurance that even in seasons of overwhelm, GOD is cultivating something within me that will grow and thrive in time.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24
Look All Around
As I continued my walk,I discovered Victor Thompson’s song “Calm” on Spotify. The lyrics and melody seemed to speak directly to me at that moment reminding me of GOD’s peace that surpasses all understanding.
Finally, I looked around. I noticed the gentle rustling of the trees, the warmth of the sun, and the rhythm of life happening all around me. In that moment, I chose to empty my mind of the discouraging thoughts and fill it with gratitude for GOD’s creation and the blessings in my life.
I also reached out to my husband ( special shoutout to you Paris), sharing my struggles and receiving his encouragement. Sometimes, looking around means seeking community and leaning on the people GOD has placed in our lives.
The Importance of Pausing and Resetting
That walk was a turning point in my day. It reminded me how important it is to stop, get up, and do something different when life feels overwhelming. Taking time to empty out the negative and fill up with the good through worship, prayer, or even a simple conversation can make all the difference.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to take a moment to look up, long down, and look all around. Let these small actions remind you of GOD’s presence, HIS guidance, and the beauty of the world HE’s placed you in.
Takeaway Scripture:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to step away, seek GOD’s presence, and allow Him to fill us with peace and strength.
Reflection:
● What can you do today to reset when you feel overwhelmed?
● How can you intentionally empty out the negative and fill up with God’s goodness?