Dinner was served. The kitchen was cleaned. Lullabies had been sung and monsters were now triumphantly vanquished from the closet. At long last, my three children were safely tucked in their beds. The day was done. Yet, despite my weary state, I still had to take my evening run. I was tired and it was later than usual. Still, I resolved to keep my wellness commitment and dutifully laced up my running shoes.
As I stepped out into the cool night air, I looked out and let out a massive sigh. A long day, filled with back to school appointments and demands, had left me emotionally and physically weary. Desperate to recharge, I turned on my I-Pod and set out to leave my responsibilities behind.
At first my steps were laborious and seemed to mercilessly beat the pavement. Meanwhile, my mind began to sift events from the day into categories of victory and defeat. “Lord, did I please you today?” my tired heart beckoned.
While the road outstretched before me, my pace quickened as my favorite praise songs renewed my tired spirit. There was no phone to answer. No clothes to fold. No house to clean. For now, it was just me, the stars, and our creator. All at once, I came to a sudden stop and turned my eyes to the heavens.
Hazy and filled with numerous clouds, the night sky veiled most of the stars. Still, one unusually bright star pierced the darkness and bedazzled me with its pristine beauty. With outstretched arms, I offered praise to my God and pictured my responsibilities being trampled under my feet.
After all, the same hands that formed and named the stars, imagined and created me. Like that solitary star beaming brightly in the night, I have been called out of darkness. For I am now a child of light. (Ephesians 5:8 NIV).
Therefore, I must be mindful to “do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” (Philippians 2:14-15 NIV) In a world gripped by darkness, “the LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us.” (Psalm 118:27 NIV)
You are a child of God. Pure. Accepted. Blameless in His sight. So go on. Step out. Be bold and “praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.” (Psalm 148:3 NIV) For it is in our praise that we shine most brightly for the One whose great love pierced the darkness. Look Up! For the glory of the LORD awaits.
Leave a Comment
Holley Gerth says
Beautiful Heather, thank you so much for these soul-refreshing words. They made me let out a sigh of relief, nod my head in agreement, and then let peace settle over me again. What a lovely way to start a new week. So glad you shared your words and heart with us!
Stacey says
What a great reminder to shine like stars Heather! I know that what makes the difference for me is that looking up! When I see Him clearly – I reflect who He is!
Welcome to (in)courage as the first guest of the new site girl! Lovely to meet you!
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Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama says
After the last week in Guatemala – this is the perspective I truly need – to Look UP!
Thank you!
Jenny says
welcome back friend… and i love the new site 🙂
Gretchen Reck says
Great article friend! Love the reminder that we need to leave all of our stuff behind and just look up and praise Him! I have been weary this past week with working so much and I have had to remember…”Those who hope in the Lord will renew renew their strength. Thery will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Is 40:31
Love you sister!!
Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms says
I know you wrote this after reflecting on a long day, but it speaks to me as I begin a long one. Just beautiful…like a fresh breath of air this new day!
Lydia Johansen says
Thanks Heather for opening your heart up to encourage so many others. These words helped me so much today. God is using your words in so many ways!
Melissa | Madabella: made beautiful says
I know the renewal that comes in the midst of worshipping our Savior and it is beautiful!
Thank you for sharing your words today…He is our source of Strength!
deidra says
My grandmother used to tell me, “Keep looking up.”
Sometimes I forget. Thanks for this reminder.
Jenny says
love this reminder… definitely needed it today 🙂 thank you
Traci says
OH my! I felt like I was running right next to you! This post was so encouraging and filled with HOPE! Nice to meet you! I’m going to have to take a look at your blog and add you to my sidebar!
Love,
Traci
@ Ordinary Inspirations (http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com)
Lissa says
This was beautifully written. I definitely needed the reminder today! Thanks for sharing.
Grandma Patty Ann says
What a beautiful post. You young mom’s amaze me with your spirit!
Love, Grandma Patty Ann
gitz says
I so miss the freedom of running and feeling that sharp wind on my face… but I just felt it again now in your words. perfection.
Heather says
Thanks everybody. I am so excited to see that you were all so encouraged by my article. May God bless and keep each of you.
Bonnie Gray says
I loved how you ended those hand and heart picked words of encouragement, Heather! Set my heart back on course.. to Him. Wonderful!
Jeri @godsdreamsforme says
I definitely needed this prompt – to “look up”. I feel so at peace now. Awesome 😀
Tina says
Heather,
Thank you for this encouraging blog. Lately I have been forgetting to look up and receive the peace of God. Thanks for reminding me that even in the middle of our darkest struggles we can still find peace from God just by looking up to him.
God Bless you!
In Christ’s Love & prayers
Sis in Christ
Tina
Naomi says
your words actually made my day. Only God make this true when we go through a tiring day. This message has encouraged me alot and also i love to stand alone out in the open sky and hear Him talking to me and showing His wonderful ceation and teaching me through it. God bless you and keep you strong till the day we meet Him[Christ].
regards,
Naomi
heather arbuckle says
Ladies. Your encouraging words and stories of how this article has touched your hearts is such a blessing to me. Thanks for sharing how God is working in your lives. I pray you are all enjoying the beauty of the day. Wishing you much love and even more chocolate.
thesavingmom says
Thank you Heather. I am reading this a little late, but just at the right time for me. So encouraging. ~Jessica