Fortunately, or unfortunately, our own perspective has the most impact on our peace, joy, and mental health. One person’s fortune is often another’s misfortune, the difference only being perspective.
The rundown of life events across any ten people, myself included, puts a magnifying glass on our view of our circumstances.
When it isn’t me, I can listen objectively to each person’s account of their current happenings. In reality, we often lead parallel lives, yet our perspectives are as different as night and day.
Any two of us are experiencing health issues, financial concerns, relationship problems, and just stuff happening; often, you see the dichotomy in a person’s depiction of their circumstances:
- A significant health issue – one is devastated, shut down, and giving up on life; another may be finding the peace only provided by God and feeling closer and more thankful for their relationship with Our Savior than ever experienced.
- Financial roadblocks – it is hard not to feel like a victim to our economy or helpless against inflation, increased costs of debt, and growing expenses. But I have seen some people face these barriers like warriors, proactively attacking every area to increase earnings, invest better, or spend less.
- Relationship issues – sometimes we are mad or hurt by people close to us. Depending on our perspective, we may want a break from people we feel are toxic to us or seek amends, doing whatever is in our power to bring complete healing and reconciliation to our relationship.
And yes, sometimes stuff just happens. I personally have felt the ominous cloud following me. I have had a week or two of random, unfavorable in my perspective, things occurring:
- A rock in my windshield 2 weeks after replacing the windshield because of the 1st rock.
- My Mom is in the hospital and rehab.
- A twisted ankle/swollen foot with lots of pain and inability to drive for a few days.
- The death of a family member.
- The stock market continues to decline, still short of staff and a project mishap at work.
As the violins play, the sun still rises with daily consistency. God provides a new day and reminds me that He is the one in control. I can turn each issue around if I take a minute and consciously review my perspective.
- I have a fun, reliable car to get me where I need to go.
- My Mom is a lot better, and the rehab helped her immensely. She is back home playing dominoes with friends.
- My foot will heal and is just an inconvenience.
- Our family member lived a rich 86-year life and was surrounded by her kids and grandkids in her final days.
- And …..one day …..all of the stuff happening is good.
But really, if we want to lean into perspective and fill our cup, we can forget the issues of this day, or any day, and look at the big picture of life. We see things differently if we focus on God’s view and adopt His perspective.
He loves us, and His plan for our lives is the best plan.
If we seek Him, He will lead us to His peace which may not make sense in our circumstances.
We have a roadmap to get through this world if we follow His Word.
You hear stories frequently about someone who found Christ when they hit rock bottom, became closer to God through trials and tribulation, or miraculously changed the trajectory of their life through a true born-again transformation. When you hear these stories, listen carefully.
Their circumstances didn’t change first.
They were still sick, alone, destitute, or broken. But then, those telling these stories found the Living God, began seeing themselves and their circumstances through His eyes, and had a new hope for a different future.
They changed their perspective.
