“It’s All About Perspective!”

Sometimes I can get caught up in things that don’t really matter.  I don’t know how or why it happens… it just does.  If my family was here right now they would definitely be shouting a loud “AMEN!” to that.  Ha, ha. 

Have you ever been there before friend?  I hope I am not alone.  Have you ever fixated over trivial meaningless tasks that don’t really matter?  Have you ever gotten wrapped up in situations or circumstances that threatened to consume your life?  It may not really matter a week, a month, or a year from now, but it matters to you today.   

What we don’t realize is that when we allow these things (the trivial and meaningless things) to consume our time, our thoughts, our energy, and our lives… we can lose our perspective.  Yesterday, God gave me a lesson in what really matters.

It seemed like a typical day from the start.  The boys got up and about their day slowly... as usual of course.  Being the task master mom that I am, I gave them a specific time frame to be dressed, teeth brushed, and ready in the living room for our family meeting.  We were going to discuss the plans for the day. They had exactly one hour to get ready at their leisure. That seemed like a reasonable amount of time to me.

They had plenty of time to get ready and enjoy their special shows if they managed their time wisely.  However I have one child who likes to wait to the last minute to do everything.  He generally ends up way behind schedule as a result. So, when I saw him enter the living room to watch TV, I thought… “Why isn’t he dressed?  It doesn’t take much effort to put some clothes on… he only has 30 minutes left to do it before THE DEADLINE!”  I proceeded to lecture him on why he should have already gotten dressed.  Needless to say this caused him to have an attitude with me leaving us both feeling a little on edge.

Feeling defeated and out of sorts, I immediately retreated to my safe place to consult with God.  I turned on the worship music and began cleaning the kitchen.  It wasn’t long until the songs began to penetrate my heart and God got my attention. He whispered quietly to my spirit… “Did you see that little boys face? What do you want him to remember about the encounter you just had with him? Is it that he should follow YOUR SCHEDULE… Do you want him to remember your angry expressions, harsh words, or bad attitude? What impression do you want to leave with him about this moment?  What do you want etched into his mind forever?”

The words weighed heavy on my heart as I replayed the encounter again in my mind.  “Whoa!!!!!!!! Wait a minute… this was NOT my plan for the day!  I need to fix this and fix this now!”  I immediately called my son into the room to rectify the situation per God’s instructions.

I started talking before he could even say a word… “Will you please forgive me? Mommy sometimes gets caught up in things and forgets that everything doesn’t always have to been done HER WAY. I’m sorry. Will you remind mommy next time this happens that you will do it (whatever it is), but you want to do it YOUR way and in YOUR time?”  He gobbled me in a hug, smiled, and said “OK mommy, I love you.”

I’m so glad that God helps us in this journey called life. When we mess up, lose focus, or get caught up in the trivial things this life has to offer… God is there to rescue us and bring us back to where we need to be.  I’m also thankful for sons that are quick to forgive a mom who tends to lose her focus more often than not.  The struggle is real!  God help me!

Colossians 3:1-2 says “So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from His perspective. “

 

Lift your head friend and choose to see things from His perspective.  What image do you want to leave etched in the mind of someone else from their encounter with you today?  Surrender your heart and day to God.  It’s all about perspective!

Living to leave a legacy!

Julie

Prayer:

God, please help me to focus all of my attention on You today.  I don’t want to get wrapped up in things that don’t really matter.  Today, I set my heart on YOU!  I want to have Your perspective as I enter my day.  Direct my steps, fill my mouth with Your words, and help me to live in such a way that others see You in me.  I want to make you proud!  I love you today and forever.  Amen.