Perspective changes everything.
As my husband and I wandered through a local park early one morning before my daughter’s day-long volleyball tournament, I paused in front of this wire bench. The surrounding trellises were mostly bare. What few leaves remained were brittle and brown. The landscape was awash in grays and browns.
And it had its own certain beauty.
As I stood there, I thought of the coming spring and summer months, when people would walk through this park and pause in front of this bench … and sit and savor the sunshine and whatever flowers and greenery had sprouted.
Change would happen … this place would become something different. No longer abandoned, but welcoming.
Sometimes life circumstances can leave us feeling abandoned. “What is” overwhelms us, leaving us bereft of any hope for what might be. At times we look in the mirror and we don’t even recognize the person staring back at us.
But now doesn’t last forever. Situations change. We change. And through the struggle — whatever season we need to get through — if we make the right choices, we can become stronger, more confident, more true to our values.
In Your Words: What it is or what it is becoming — which do you choose to focus on? Why?
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It’s about survival, and keeping your mates protected.
And it’s about dying with a full heart.
And it’s about dying like a man, facing the abyss and spitting defiance as the darkness closes in.
Bring it, cancer. I have friends in Heaven.
Author
In God’s perspective, everything blurs into enternity — past, present, and the future. And you are surrounded by friends, Andrew.
It’s been a long time since I could walk this road, Beth. My friends have carried me. I will never forget that.
Author
Valor, Andrew. Valor.
The simplest definition of why I wear glasses is that I am far-sighted. I find that describes my view of life, too, far-range perspective of what lies ahead and aiming there instead of getting bogged down in the here and now where my tires might get stuck in ruts and stop moving. For me, looking ahead works well and keeps me rolling. I have goals I want to accomplish, and don’t have time for the alternatives.
Author
And this comes to mind: “Oh, the places you’ll go, oh, the people you’ll meet …”
But yes, it’s true that being far-sighted (vivid image) keeps you from becoming bogged down in the here and now.
I’ve been trapped into focusing on both of these in different seasons of my life. There are times to focus on what is—as in I want to savor each moment, especially those with my boys. Each day beckons them toward manhood and the changes in our relationship will be unavoidable. I want to find the beauty in what is each day.
But there are times when I need to focus on what will become. In the struggles, to focus on what is will discourage. But to focus on what will be can offer hope. Because I know Jesus is in the work of redeeming the broken places within me. He is taking me from where I am—who I am right now—and transforming me into who He designed me to be. If that makes sense. 🙂
Author
Jeanne:
You make two good points … and remind us of a reason to focus on the here and now … and a reason to focus on what will come.