Live Deeply and Look Up | Motivational Monday

I LOVE commencement speeches. I graduated from college three years ago, but I still find encouragement in these speeches, even if it’s just sound bites. It is no surprise that I found myself rolling out of my bed at 8 am a few Saturdays ago to watch the commencement address at my alma mater, Rice University. Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to go into space, was the speaker. Her message was inspirational, but what stuck with me were the words at the conclusion of her speech. They were simple:

“Life is best when you live deeply and look up.”

“Live deeply and look up.”

These words can mean different things to different people. So today, I would like to share my take on what it means to live deeply and look up.

Live deeply.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, New International Version.

To live deeply is to live beyond the materialistic things. Many times, without even knowing it, we place our worth in how much money we make, what we buy with that money, and the recognition we receive from other people. But these things only provide temporary satisfaction and happiness. Instead of living for things you can see, do what brings true joy, love, and peace to yourself and others. Learn to live in gratitude and be hopeful in all situations. Be humble and realize that you are part of something greater. You are a part of God’s Kingdom. He chose you to help heal, love, and uplift someone else so they can see the light of Christ. Live deeply in your purpose and not your possessions.

Look up.

“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.” Colossians 1:1-3, Message translation.

To look up is to see God and not be distracted by the circumstances around you. Shift your focus and look towards your future with Christ. Everything from your past and present (good and bad) is divinely being used by God to shape your future. So, let go of guilt and regret and learn to forgive yourself. It’s time that we become who it is that God is calling us to be. Passionately pursue the purpose that God has over your life and rely on Him for the strength and instruction to live it. Ignore the fear and bad habits that prevent you from moving forward. Believe God and know that He is working. Better is coming!

This is my take of what it means to live deeply and look up. What does it mean to you? Comment below! I would love to hear your thoughts. And, for your entertainment pleasure, I have included a clip of the graduation ceremonies at Rice University!

Take 15 minutes today to read, write down, and meditate on this scripture: 
"And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love;" - Ephesians 3:17 (TLB)