Petoskey United Methodist Church
Weekly Devotional

April 23, 2008
By Jerry Londal

Help From Above

During the month of May, one of my favorite things to do is look for morel mushrooms. Not only are the mushrooms delightful to eat, but the hunt is an interesting challenge in the great out-of-doors.

My experience has taught me that morel mushrooms are most frequently found near black ash trees. Black ash trees are characterized by a rugged bark pattern, small leaves in clusters, and late budding of the leaves. In mid May, most trees in the woods have fully leafed, while the black ash is just beginning to leaf out. As a result, I find myself looking up into the canopy of the forest to find the black ash trees late-blooming top.

It occurred to me this past May as I was out in the woods hunting for mushrooms and looking up into the sky that this process is analogous to our quest for fulfillment in life. We are seeking things on earth in our daily lives, but learn that the best way to find answers for our lives is found by looking up - - to God.

Psalm 121 begins: “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.

Psalm 123 begins: “I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.”

As we live day-to-day, do we remember to lift up our eyes to God for His direction in our lives, or are we trapped in the things of earth? God has promised to hear and answer our prayers. Let us pray for God’s guidance in our lives, and look up to Him!

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