While walking this morning, I was lost in thought regarding a recent event in my life. I was nearly half-way through my regular route upon realizing, with the exception of looking up when crossing the streets, I had been focused only on the road in front of me. Usually I take at least momentary glances at my surroundings. So, in the midst of this awareness, I decided to look up--one can see things otherwise missed by most, just by looking up! And this was no exception. For straight above me perched on the street lamppost was a Mississippi Kite (a smaller bird of prey that is prevalent in this area, particularly during the spring and summer months). There it roosted, as regal as a king on his throne, surveying his kingdom below (of which I was part!) Kites are really beautiful birds, in my opinion, with snowy white heads atop a coat of stone gray feathers. Once again, I marveled at how much I miss, simply by not looking up more often.

It's providential, then, that the first scripture my daily devotion book cited this morning, happened to be the first two verses of Psalm 121 which reminds us of the most important reason we need to look up: "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Thanks be to God!