I Looked Up at the Sky and ...
Lessons from the stars
Dear Friends,
I often find myself talking with God at night when I look up at the sky and see all the stars in just the perfect places. Some bright, others dim, but all of them positioned just right to make me realize that God is a great artist. In those moments, I am reminded that just as God has arranged the heavens, He has placed each of us in the world with care and purpose. This reflection inspires me to trust His design and to see the beauty in everyone He has created.
I remember being a young boy, laying next to my sister when we got home from someplace at night, asking her: "Did you see all those stars out tonight?" That innocent wonder, shared with someone I loved, taught me early on to marvel at the beauty around me and to seek the goodness in life and in people.
I have often thought about what makes a person "perfect" in life. In one sense, none of us are perfect, but we don’t have to be perfect to be the perfect person for God to have put in the lives of others for His intended purpose. Our flaws, our strengths, and even our struggles are all part of His masterpiece, crafted to bring hope, love, and light into the world.
Each of us carries within our hearts a story—a narrative woven with moments of joy, heartache, triumph, and sorrow. We are shaped by our past experiences, yet it is the present moment that holds the power to transform us. To live fully in the present, we must choose to see the best in one another, leaving behind the wounds of yesterday and embracing the hope and love that surround us today.
Life has a way of imprinting scars upon us. Perhaps you have known betrayal, suffered loss, or endured failures that have left you questioning your worth or the goodness of others. Yet, even in the shadow of pain, there is beauty. That beauty lies in our ability to recognize that we are more than the sum of our mistakes, and so is everyone else.
The present moment is a gift—precious and fleeting. It offers us the chance to connect, to grow, and to love without reservation. When we cling to grievances or fixate on imperfections, we squander the opportunity to see the divine spark in those around us. By choosing to focus on the goodness in others, we cultivate gratitude and foster relationships that reflect the love of Christ.
Consider the world around you. The laughter of a child, the warmth of a friend’s embrace, the quiet majesty of a sunset—these are reminders of God’s love made manifest. When we look for the best in others, we mirror this divine love, acknowledging that every person we encounter is a beloved creation of God.
It is not always easy to leave the past behind. The wounds we carry can feel like heavy chains, binding us to pain and resentment. But God, in His infinite mercy, calls us to surrender these burdens to Him. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” By entrusting our past to God, we free ourselves to live with hope, faith, and love.
Forgiveness is a powerful act of faith. It does not erase the hurt, but it releases us from the grip of bitterness. When we forgive, we allow God’s grace to heal our hearts and open our eyes to the goodness that remains—in ourselves and in others.
Love surrounds us if we have the eyes to see it. It is in the kindness of strangers, the loyalty of friends, the beauty of nature, and the endless opportunities for growth and renewal. When we choose to cherish love, we align ourselves with God’s purpose for us: to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).
This love calls us to look past faults and blemishes, to see each person as a work in progress, just as we are. It challenges us to be patient, to be kind, and to extend grace even when it is difficult. In doing so, we not only uplift others but also draw closer to the heart of Christ.
Whatever your past has held, know that it does not define your future. Each new day is an opportunity to begin again, to embrace the hope that God offers, and to shine His light into the world. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Let us press on together, choosing to see the best in one another, cherishing the love around us, and trusting in God’s plan for our lives. May we live each moment with gratitude, embracing the present as a sacred gift, and walking forward with faith, hope, and love.
Peace and blessings!
John Henry