Putting Life Into Perspective

My family and I went out for an evening walk as the rain let up for now. We’ve had a very rainy season this year for sure. Winter is also showing signs it won’t be long until our ground covering becomes white like the mountain tops too.

Fall awakens all my senses, from the smell of the leaves decaying and decomposing, sounds of leaves falling, to the bold and brilliant hues and colors, I am given an earthy taste of what autumn is all about. 

We are experiencing a gift of two seasons at once. In higher elevations the mountains have become snow-capped in a beautiful and fresh blanket of snow. Here on the lower elevations fall colors are holding on but will soon come to pass and give way to winter.

Not all appreciate, are grateful for or fully embrace the changing of seasons, anticipation of what is to come. What I’ve learned over time is how to find the good in all things. Even though I may not be winter’s biggest fan (primarily because driving in winter conditions is not my favorite thing to do), 

I continue to give God all thanks and praise, rather than complain about what I see and speak poorly about. I know He will guide me, protect me, and see that I make it through safely so there is no need to complain about or fear what the future holds for me.

Hearing responses when sharing a picture with others is quite interesting. Their words provide me with insight of what’s in their hearts and minds, whether it’s seeing the good in all circumstances or focusing on what they perceive to be as bad. 

Let me give you the following two words to think about for a moment. They are:

“Yuck”

“Beautiful”

Which word speaks to you?

What do you think it says about you? 

Is it really about the snow?

Is it about something else?

What is it that resonated with you?

Would you agree the word you selected speaks to who you are? Your character? Why or why not?

I bring this to your attention for I know how much people believe they are good or want to become a better version of themselves, more like Jesus. Let’s just say I notice the little things that people say and do and how it can and does speak to their character. Becoming a better Christian, more like Jesus and having the Holy Spirit work through you, takes practice, patience, time, and mindfulness, to name a few. 

In our heart of hearts, we believe we are doing good, by loving and serving God in the best ways we know how. We see this through our own lens, what we believe and come to know as our truth. At times, it may be difficult to see otherwise.

There are ways for us to improve our quality of life and for those we spend our time and days with. All the small changes we make will lead to big gains. If we don’t stop focusing on the negative and complaining about the things we don’t like, we will miss out on all the gifts, the goodness, the richness of God, all that He has provided for us in this lifetime to enjoy and appreciate. 

For most of my life, I was pessimistic, didn’t know how to see the good or truly appreciate what was before me. Negativity consumed me, I complained about life, my circumstances and played the role of the victim for far too many years. I wasted time, time away from God and was distracted and deceived by the devil. I never knew it was the enemy, I thought it was me, that’s just who I was. 

Boy was I wrong for most of my life! All the more reason to come to know God’s voice, that inner voice that speaks softly to you peacefully and with love.

Once you allow God in, and I mean heart-breaking open and allowing His light and love to penetrate your soul, then you will know what it’s like to be transformed, become whole, become new in Him.Yes, it’s a bumpy ride, but worth the ride for He has already paid the price for us, He made the ultimate sacrifice.

I don’t know what your circumstances or your stories are. My guess is that you’ve experienced some hard times and dark valleys too. It’s not easy doing the hard work, changing from the inside out, but it is so worth it in the name of love for Jesus Christ and all He has given us. 

Amazing how hearing two very different responses, has brought several things to light this evening. Throughout recent years, I’ve learned to become more mindful of my thoughts, words, and actions for that is what I become. Even though I may have traveled into the unknown, God has shown me there are great rewards for staying focused on Him-peace, love, gratitude, grace, mercy, compassion and more. I may not, nor will I ever be as perfect as He, but He knows my heart, who I am. He knows you and yours too!