Article February 14, 1970 Issue

Look Up to Solve Your Problems

SHARON SLATON HOWELL

One summer morning an amusing scene attracted my attention. A small bird was hopping up and down along the bottom of a chain link fence, trying with all his might to get into the next yard. Strangely enough, instead of flying over the top, he was trying, without success, to force himself through one of the spaces. He made several attempts until finally, looking up beyond the fence, he soared over the top.

The simple solution had been right at hand for the bird all the time, as well as its ability to make use of it, but the bird had been so intent on struggling close to the ground that it wasn't aware of the easier way—that is, not until it looked up.

This experience, insignificant as it may have seemed at the time, points up an important spiritual lesson of benefit to us all. How often we waste our time and efforts in striving to solve a particular problem—lack, illness, discord, unhappiness, unemployment, and so on—by trying to force a solution through holding to a limited, personal sense of our ability, wisdom, or resourcefulness! Doubtless at one time or another we all have tried such an approach to our difficulties, only to meet with frustration and disappointment. Why? Because the best solution to a problem lies in lifting our thoughts completely above the false, material view of existence to the spiritual concept. We must mentally look up and behold God's eternal, perfect kingdom where man really dwells.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Preserve Your Marriage