Look up and not down...

“Look up and not down; look forward and not back;
look out and not in; and lend a hand.”
E. E. Hale

These past several months have had some challenges and difficulties, as I have had to turn much of my time and attention to the needs of a loved one going through pain and suffering, medical tests, physician consultations, surgeries, and recovery (which continues). This has caused more than a minor disruption to my plans, to my business, to my writing and artwork, and my life. And, I have not always managed to meet these disruptions without some discouragement, some angst, some apprehension.

But, as I have chosen to “look up and not down”, I have found the grace, mercy, and help of a loving God to give me strength, patience, and perseverance.

As I have chosen to “look forward and not back”, I have been able to see what I must do, rather than what I was unable to do.

As I have chosen to “look out and not in”, I have seen the love and compassion of both friends and strangers who offered prayers, encouragement, and assistance.

And finally, as I have chosen to “lend a hand”, I have experienced the peace, the joy, and the hopefulness that can only come through serving another.

When we choose to look up, to look forward, to look out, and to lend a hand – we can rise above our challenges, our difficulties, our circumstances, and even ourselves. We are then not only able to do something, but we are able to do something good.

Edward Everett Hale gives sound advice in the quote above, as he also does in the quote that follows…

“I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
What I can do, I should do.
And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.”
E. E. Hale

Joseph Weilenbeck 08/12/2013