Perspective

Perspective. I think it's good when God opens our eyes to give us fresh perspective - His perspective. I was reminded of that these past couple of weeks. I watch as my 93 year old grandfather struggles for his life after a serious stroke and another serious fall. As a result, a once strong, wise, loving man is now blind, weak, and living in a world only he knows of. My grandfather, a good man, one of character, one who loves others, and one of the most unselfish people I know, is fighting to make it through one more day. Even in his weakened state, he was concerned about me. He asked if I was doing okay, if I was cold, if I needed anything. Amazing!

I was also reminded of God's perspective when a friend of mine lost her unborn child. She and her husband found out this past Friday. This is twice for this young couple, who love God and serve Him faithfully. My heart is broken for them. She said though she is deeply saddened, she has not been robbed of her JOY. Only someone with God's perspective could say that. I admire her faith!

There have been many in our church family who have loved ones who are going through terminal illnesses right now or have lost loved ones in this past week. My heart goes out to each of them as it is painful and very sad. I lift each of them and their loved ones up to The Healer.

Perspective. God's Perspective. It's times such as these that we turn to Him. It is also times such as these that we realize that there are just certain things that we think of as so important that really aren't that important after all. Battles that we fight over things that have no eternal implications. Unforgiveness toward those who we believe have wronged us in some way - whether they have or not. Hardness that we have in our hearts toward those who differ in opinion from us. Wishing ill toward one another. Criticizing and complaining about each other. A lack of compassion for others. Spreading gossip about others. A lack of LOVE that God commanded us to have toward one another - most especially toward our Christian brothers and sisters. Worry and stress over things that aren't of any eternal value. Proving a point no matter who it hurts in the process. Thinking only of our own interests and not looking out for others.

What is worthy about any of these things? NOTHING. So why waste precious time, effort, energy, and thought on things that tear down instead of build up? Life is too short! From here on I am putting my efforts and energy toward that which builds up; toward my family, my friends, my church, my students, the children, God's work, and most of all toward God Himself. As I watch Granddaddy struggle to live, I think on how much time I've spent in this life on that which is unworthy. Such a waste!

Yes, I too have been guilty of many things, especially not loving others as God commanded. That's because I am an imperfect human. We all are guilty of these things. But the beauty of it is we can ask for His forgiveness. We can start on a clean slate everyday because of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. Once we do, like Paul, we can stand in clear conscience before our God and let Him decide. And like Abraham, we are to be faithful and lead a blameless life. When we all decide to build up instead of tearing down, when we are united as The Body of Christ, encouraging one another in love, then the world can see Christ's Glory through us. Let's see things from now on from God's Perspective, not from our own limited, finite view. Then let us act accordingly.

Perspective. God's Perspective. That's what I'm praying for.

"How wonderful and pleasant it is

when brothers live together in harmony!

For harmony is as precious as the annointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head,

that ran down his beard,

and onto the border of his robe.

Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon

that falls on the mountains of Zion.

And there the LORD has prounounced his blessing,

even life Everlasting."

Psalm 133:1-3

In His Love, Cathy