The way I see things. The way I choose to interpret situations. The way I position my mind to define personal circumstances.
A bad attitude, a determination to be pessimistic or narcissistic ("my circumstances are worse than yours"), and the inability to allow God to set your heart into right focus...
Well, it's like this picture.Out of focus. Unclear. and Completely detracting from the true beauty of the moment.
I tried to get this picture into focus. Really I did. But honestly I don't have the best of cameras. Don't get me wrong, it's good. But when it's dark...it's a bit difficult to maneuver. (Probably should read the owner's manual, huh?)
But isn't that how my life is? When it's dark...maintaining a clear, healthy perspective can be a bit difficult, right?
...
Early this morning, something happened that was emotionally exhausting. a whole lot frustrating. and potentially a deal-breaker as far as the level of Joy found in my day.
But then Jet (who was also feeling the same way I was) said something, totally God-inspired, that completely changed my perspective, as well as his own:
Not word for word. Because, as we all know, the moment we are most poignant is the moment that God speaks through us (and to us simultaneously). And there's rarely the ability to recapture the moment exactly):
Jet: "I'm just so thankful for our life, for everything we have. For the fact that we live in a house where I don't have to constantly worry about your safety...about people wanting to hurt you.
I just think about the people who live in Africa who live with fear on a daily basis. People who, when they have to leave their home, to buy a potato or something, leave wondering if their family will still be alive when they return.
I just can't imagine that. We are so blessed."
And in that instant, it was like my early-morning view completely changed.
Everything came into clear view.The very situation that was making me physically ill was NOTHING in the realm of the 'bigger picture'. It was like God supernaturally upgraded my internal camera lens, allowing me to see what He already knew.
That things were more hopeful than I had once perceived them to be. Brighter. Clearer. Better.
I have to admit it...one thing that bothers me is being around people who's lives are always one step away from doomed.
Let's say, hypothetically speaking ...*cough cough*...the stay-at-home moms who constantly complain because they don't get to have a nap. (Do what?!) Or those people who can't let you say you didn't sleep much last night without having to outdo you by saying they only got 2 hours of sleep.
Things like that just irk me.
Because there are women who want to have children. who want to be at home. who want to have of more of a goal than a daily nap (think empty-nesters or nursing home women). Woman who would kill for their exact position in life.
Because life shouldn't be about us competing for the most "hard up" position. It shouldn't be about us fighting for the right to own the "Worst" title.
Yet. In the eyes of that napless mom, their days are exhausting. a let down. just all around bad.
In the eyes of that sleepless competitor, others need to take particular note of their daily struggles because if they're experiencing it, then *By Golly!* others should know about it and feel sorry for them, too.
But as much as this a.n.n.o.y.s me, I have to wonder what does MY attitude and occasional disregard for God's favor/blessing on my life do to HIS heart??? What does it do to Him when I choose to highlight the trials and struggles and let downs?
When I look at other's attitudes...when I feel totally baffled and frustrated by their obvious choice to set their minds on the "less thans"...I can easily see where I need to stop aligning my thoughts with anything close to pessimism and negativity.
But honestly, I want to get to the point where I don't have look at OTHERS to see myself.
I want to be able to renew my mind. train it in a fine-tuned kind of way. To the point that I see both the reality (the facts) of the situation and the Truth (what God has to say about it). Clearly.
But I want to also see something a little more.
I want to see the detailed image of Christ written all over my life. even if others can't see it. I want to see it. know it. own it.
Yes. Life can get hard. My frustrations are very real. and very important to my personal Savior. He does care. I CLING to His heart of concern for me.
But
I don't want to let Him down with my pitiful attitude of Pity-Poor-Me. I want to see Him and mirror it to others through my perspective of life. Even when life turns dark and it's hard to refocus.
I'm determined to find that button on my internal camera (and maybe my real-life camera too!). so I can clearly capture the moment. From his perspective.
