Look Up and Smile

A very dear friend just emailed this sweet story to me:

A Child’s View of Thunderstorms
A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she feared the electrical storm might harm her child.

Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child’s school.
As she did, she saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile. Another and another flash of lighting followed quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.

When the mother’s car drew up beside the child, she lowered the window and called to her, “What are you doing?”

The child answered, “I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture.”

It’s all in our perspective isn’t it? Trusting in our loving Heavenly Father, there is nothing to fear. I have suffered with bouts of fear for much of my life. I have feared being rejected or unloved. I have feared the loss of loved ones, illness, and tragedy. I have finally learned that fear is lack of faith. Did you know that the Lord tells us more the one hundred times in the Bible, “do not be afraid?”

Take a moment and rest in His Word:

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” Isaiah 40:8-9

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27

What a wonderful blessing we have been given in this world filled with uncertainties . . . we have the assurance of God’s loving peace and presence. The next time you see lightening, look up and smile as God, “takes your picture.”

7 Responses to Look Up and Smile
  1. Barbie
    July 15, 2010 | 9:02 am

    This was absolutely beautiful!

  2. Deb
    July 15, 2010 | 9:30 am

    Thanks Barbie, I loved this story!

  3. Carol
    July 15, 2010 | 11:46 am

    So cute! Love it!

  4. Look Up and Smile – 5 Minutes For Mom
    July 15, 2010 | 4:19 pm

    […] look while reading a few of their most recent posts. I really enjoyed yesterday’s devotion, “Look Up and Smile“. I think you will […]

  5. Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)
    July 15, 2010 | 11:43 pm

    What a precious story.

    I struggle so much with fear and those verses are such wonderful reminders of the faith we can have in God.

  6. Deb
    July 16, 2010 | 3:18 am

    Thanks Susan, I love having those promises to hold on to when fear gets its hold on me.

  7. Gina Conroy
    July 17, 2010 | 11:49 am

    Thanks for this reminder today!