I AM INCREDIBLY __________.
You fill in the blank.
What first comes to mind? Is it busy, stressed, and overwhelmed? Or maybe it is lonely, unloved and sad. How about tired, cranky, and frustrated?
We have all been in those places of feeling those different emotions. I know I have. More than once. But today I want to challenge you because I have been challenged.
We are officially in the holiday season. Thanksgiving is wrapping up and Christmas trees are being set up. This time of the year is unlike any other season or holiday or tradition we celebrate. People experience a wide variety of emotions and experiences during this time. Some feel the pain of those loved ones who have past and memories weigh heavy on their hearts. Others are reminded of the joy in giving and in spending time with people they care about.
About one month ago I heard a quote. It struck me, and has been on my mind ever since.
"We don't experience our reality, we experience our perspective on reality." What perspective are you choosing to look through? Is it one of grief and sadness? Or positivity and hope? Everyone sees the same situation differently because of how they are choosing to look at it. But that is the catch, I don't think most people realize they are choosing their own perspective, they just live with the one they have. After I heard this quote I started questioning my own "default perspective." Was it God-honoring? Was it beneficial? And although I saw somethings in good light, I often was looking at situations with a gray lens. Not seeing them clearly because I had subconsciously made a decision not to.
Today in church, we listened to the story of Ronan Thompson. Ronan was a beautiful 3 year-old-boy. Yeah, I did say was. Check out his story here: www.rockstarronan.com We also listened to Taylor Swift's song about Ronan, here is the link for that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvN7BOAQn9I (you may need a tissue). This story may be hard to hear. Ronan's lovely and courageous mother was willing to see this situation with a perspective most people wouldn't be brave enough to. "I really thought a miracle was going to see us through, but maybe the miracle is even getting one moment with you."
We choose how we look at things, how we feel things, how we experience things. Do you live like you are in control of your situation just by knowing how you look at that situation can change everything?
So today, I choose to say that I AM INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL.
I want my perspective to be one of thankfulness. Why are we so blind to our blessings? Our greed doesn't make sense. Our sinful desires are so limiting. I don't understand how we see the world we live in and miss the beauty all around. Search for it, seek it.
The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4, ". . . I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstance."
I know that I haven't experienced the things that you have. I've never gone through what you have. I don't know if I ever will. And I will not try to act like I know what you're feeling, but I can encourage you to choose to see your situation in a new light. Remove the cloudy, gray lens. Ask God to help you see things clearly and experience your reality in the best way possible. It will not be easy and it will take time. Just let me remind you of Ronan's mom. She saw the miracle and she was GRATEFUL.
You may not be a Christian reading this, but let me share the truest thing I know: God's love endures forever. This promise stands today, tomorrow, forever. It always has been and always will be. Your circumstance may be burdensome but God's love transcends the pain, the suffering, the depression, the hurt. His love does not prevent you from feeling, but it keeps you living 1 Corinthians 10:13. And not just in this life, but an eternal life, if you truly believe it.
It is for that reason I will always be able to say I AM INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL.
Blessings | For real, be blessed. Psalm 118
If you want to hear a little more, tune in to http://placeofdecision.com/media.php?pageID=33 Thanks to Pastor Jeff Phelps for sharing such a truth-filled message.
