A change in perspective

What's your take on life right now? Do you see the bigger picture? Maybe your circumstances are looking up, maybe they're down right now. The question is...do you draw your satisfaction and joy from your circumstances or from something more stable and dependable than that?

Just like the cold side of the pillow...it's all a matter of perspective.

Here's a brief rundown of how my perspective has changed in recent months:

I used to have a list of goals and ambitions that I was working toward. I had come to the conclusion that God had "called" me to them, and so I pursued them with reckless abandoned. When the goal changed, I had a very hard time understanding why it seemed like everything had been turned on its head. In reality, it was only my plans that were turned on their head. God's plan just kept trucking along like it had never stopped. Now the goal and ambition for the future is to fulfill God's will and purpose for me. The circumstances and outcome are entirely up to Him. It's just my job to faithfully live out His teachings and follow His sovereign will. It's all a matter of perspective.

I used to date without a purpose or plan. My physical boundaries have long been set. Unfortunately, my emotional boundaries were not. I had no set plan for living a disciplined life in regard to dating / looking for a mate. There was not much thought given to how you get from "hi" to "I do". I wasn't disciplined with my eyes, my words, my thoughts or my actions. I led people on; I was responsible for misunderstandings and pain. Now, my perspective has changed. I understand the importance of setting myself apart for my wife to be (mind, body and soul). I am now endeavoring to stay as chaste with my heart and my emotions as I have long been with my body. Christ is the sole object of my affections for now. Certainly, I look forward to being married...but that is in God's hands. The opportunity will present itself and I will be led to pursue that wonderful lady in due time. Temporary pleasure and satisfaction have been placed on the altar of purity. It's all a matter of perspective.

I used to look at my relationship with God as another bullet on the day's "to-do" list. Bible time? Check. Prayer? Check. Ok, now let's get on with the day. NO! I can't tell you how much my eyes have been opened to the heart of our Savior during these past few months. I am closer to Jesus now than I've ever been before. I understand more now than I've ever understood before. Jesus Christ has finally become the intimate and personal Lord that we all want to see. Jesus gets His time each morning, but not because I have to give it to Him. It's because I absolutely can't live without Him. He has become my rock and foundation. He is the umbrella I crawl under when the thunderstorms come at me. He is my strength, my wisdom and voice. No longer is He a chore...He's my Jesus, and I love Him dearly. It's all a matter of perspective.

Everything in life has at least two sides to look at. We are all adults now, we have a choice. What are you choosing to do today? Are you satisfied with the status quo? My friends, never settle for adequate. Our God hasn't called to acceptable life, He has called us to "abundant life" - John 10:10. Changing your perspective is up to you. No one can ever change it for you. I hope and pray that you will seek and find the absolute best our Heavenly Father has in store for you.

Be blessed...