Perspective: "the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance"
I have been slapped in the face with perspective this last week... and I needed it. I'm not sure if everyone is just nice and doesn't tell me, but I'm a whiny person. I imagine it has to be annoying, I mean who wants to be around the person who's always complaining?
I used to get so mad when Jeter was first born that I would pray to God in frustration (sometimes anger) "All I want is sleep.... Not a million dollars... Not some other materialistic junk I just want sleep!" But then this week I see people facing the heartbreak of losing their babies. I think back to Jeter's first few months and ask myself "Was I so selfish, that I could not see the blessing it was to have my son whether I was sleeping or not?" Perspective
As if that wasn't enough.... I was also whiny about Jeter and I having the flu over Christmas Break. Don't get me wrong it was miserable, but I acted like a brat with this feeling of my break being unenjoyable and ruined. The thing is though, the flu ran it's course and we are fine. So here's where God really put me in my place. (hence the perspective slap) My heart has been so heavy this week because two people I love very much are facing extremely difficult times in their lives. Two amazing people with unmeasurably big hearts. How petty of me to complain about the flu... Perspective
So why put all of this out there? Well, this morning at church I felt like every song was speaking to me. I was so overwhelmed I couldn't sing because I was crying. I'm ashamed of my selfish/whiny behavior, but mostly I'm just hurt for these people I love so much. There was a particular part of the song that just resonated with me the most...
"Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You"
The song goes on to say God never lets go through the calm and through the storm, every high and every low He is there. Perspective The last thing I have to say is that I want to start being more thankful. I give thanks during my prayers and I am thankful but I'm going to do a better job at showing it. Pastor Bob said to boast in The Lord and celebrate what He has done. It's not about being proud it's about being thankful. If I'm not sleeping, I'll be thankful I have my son to wake up for. If I'm ill, I'll be thankful for the medicine that helps me heal. Lastly, I want to be sure I tell my friends and family I love them as often as I can. I never realized I was a "glass half empty" person, but I'm ready to leave those characteristics behind. Perspective
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
