Lift Thine Eyes – July 30, 2000
If we develop the habit of lifting our eyes, we can often gain a new perspective that makes all the difference.
A traveler was composing a photograph of a famous landmark. She had a clear shot of the building, but the picture in her viewfinder seemed flat and uninteresting. Stepping back a pace, she suddenly raised her eyes and saw a beautiful cherry blossom bough just above her head, gracefully arching out from a nearby tree. Readjusting her camera position, the woman was able to frame the landmark with the branch of pink blossoms. The resulting photograph was the best one of her trip. All that was needed was for her to lift her eyes.
Sometimes the immediate events of our lives make us weary or downcast. On those days, we trudge along, burdened with sadness, loneliness, sickness, or worry. Our heads may droop, our eyes stare at the ground before us. If we will lift our eyes at such times, we can often gain a new perspective from stalwart mountains in the distance, from white clouds floating peacefully above us, from bright reassuring stars shining in the dark night sky. We trace the flight of migrating birds, bravely following their inner guidance to a distant destination, and our hearts take courage.
We also lift our eyes when we look up to the example of noble men and women who have performed deeds of kindness, mercy, wisdom, and endurance in the face of great opposition. As we look at their lives, we can gain insights that help us continue our journey with energy and zest for the challenges.
Nor need we look only to the great and famous for inspiration. Every country, every community, and every family has its quiet heroes who can stir our hearts. A young boy from a poor family often thought about his immigrant grandmother, who, when her husband became unable to provide for the family, opened a tiny shop that sold oil for the lamps of coal miners. For twenty years this woman worked without complaint to support her family of five children. When her grandson became a man, her framed photograph held an honored place in his home.
By looking up repeatedly to these role models of courage and goodness, we can gain renewed strength and the assurance that the human spirit—our spirit—can surmount every obstacle.
Program #3702