7 Floors Up

Taking a break for some coffee. Hospitals have a way of wearing you down. All the sitting, waiting on doctors with new reports tend to make one tired. My grandson was admitted a few days ago and it looks like we will be here for a few more days. I find myself in the family lounge typing away on my computer and what do you know… out comes a devotion. The inspiration? A look out the window on the 7^th floor.

The window overlooks the west side of St. Louis over Forrest Park. On this summer day, even with a little overcast sky, it is beautiful. The canopy of trees in their bright summer green with a few hints of orange in trees I don’t recognize but I bet my mother could tell me exactly what they are. In the distant are what looks to be a island of tall buildings as they tower over the landscape. A few I recognize to be places I have visited before. I can see the ball fields, walking paths and zoo off in the distance.

As I was waiting on my coffee to finish in the machine, I looked out the window. This scene captivated me. It immediately gave me a new perspective. A look at the scenery around you from seven floors up tends to do that if you take the time to look. What I see is peaceful and busy at the same time. The park is inviting. The bustling traffic below has a different vibe. People working, going places maybe some, I am sure heading to the same place I find myself. It could be in a few hours or days they may be seeing the same thing I am. During uncertainty, waiting, concern, a world going on without us.

It made me see the power of perspective. I could be at home in my daily routine missing what I am seeing today. Sure, it would be great if my grandson was well. I would take the ride home back to normal in a heartbeat. But right now, I am here and, in this moment, I see something I appreciate. Something inspiring. Something that gives me hope. Something that reminds me the world is big, busy, but also beautiful.

How often do we see beauty in trials? When was the last time you saw something good, non-related to your situation that simply reminded you to breathe and appreciate the moment of peace? As I write, I hear the nurses station filled with laughter and delight as they care for a young baby without her parents. It is genuine as they interact and I sense kindness. People loving what they do and caring for one who cannot care for themselves. That makes me happy. In all the bad in this hospital there is also good. There are rooms in this place filled with grieving and lost hope. It is tragic. A mom and dad saying goodbye. But in the same place there is healing, laughter. My mind has trouble comprehending it.

It reminds me of God’s family. As hard and hurting life can be, there is still a place where things are good. He shows us something beautiful even if it is only for a quick coffee break staring out the window. Wherever this devotion, this thought or discovery finds you, I hope it helps you to look around. Maybe asking God to help you get a little higher to see life around you more clearly. He does raise us up as the old song says. Scripture tells us in Psalm 18:33, “He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.” ESV

Its time to head back to the room. My break is over. The coffee helped and so did the new perspective 7 floors up.