Most of the blooms on my Althea shrubs are now high above my head, fewer within reach. When I look up at them, it’s like looking up at stars in the daytime.

For some reason, a line from a poem came to mind that our class had to memorize in junior high. It’s from a fairly lengthy piece by Robert Browning. I had no clue what the poem was about when I was in seventh grade, and frankly, I still don’t, because I haven’t cared to look it up and read it.

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp,
Or what’s a heaven for?” ― Robert Browning

Perhaps this is out of context, but it sounds like it’s about setting high goals for ourselves. When we have lofty aspirations, we work hard to reach that level. Even when we don’t meet our own expectations, we will end up further than we could have reached otherwise.

The popular quote on this theme now is: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” I’ve seen this attributed to Norman Vincent Peale. This may sound good at first, but you might have to fight off discouragement, when you see it as failure to reach your arbitraty goal.

On the other hand, the Bible says we can be stars. Not like the ones who are rich and famous. Not like the shooting stars that rise quickly and shine brightly, only to fizzle out just as fast.

Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. – Daniel 12:3

That’s what I want. I want to be a wise person. I want to share the wisdom of God through His Word. I want others to hear and see how good the Lord is, experience His salvation, and love Him so much that they begin to live a righteous life.

Not just for a moment, but forever and ever.

I want His goals to be my goals. I want His will to be my will. I told the Lord this when I gave my life to Him at age 14. It was at a Methodist church altar on a Sunday evening. It was August 20, 1967. This week will be my 52nd spiritual birthday.

Hey! That’s around the same time I learned that line from Browning’s poem. I don’t know, but maybe that went into the mixture of seeds that grew into a life of discipleship for me. The Lord doesn’t waste anything. Look up tonight. He uses all the stars.

Shalom, Dottie

Will you do a favor for me? If you’re on Facebook, please share this post with your friends. Thanks so much.