It’s all about perspective!
Does anyone out there need some hope and encouragement?
You probably noticed we have just passed the halfway mark for 2020. In some ways, it seems like I blinked and 6 months have disappeared. In other ways, it feels more like the longest 6 months ever. A friend commented, “It’s like slow motion going fast!” Unfortunately, the pandemic has continued to surge across the country and world. I told my husband Randy that a few months ago, I wouldn’t have imagined having a stack of cloth face masks on our dressers. So weird and surreal!
Watching the news evokes much sadness as our country not only deals with losses and issues from COVID, but also unrest and violence taking place across the nation. It’s a strange and difficult time. So how do we cope? What can we do as we witness these “out-of-our-control” situations?
It’s all about perspective!
Not to be too simplistic, but how we view our circumstances can either make or break us. It seems like we’re stuck in a time warp–like in the movie, Groundhog Day. February 2nd played over and over for Bill Murray’s character in this delightful comedy. Even though our alarm clock doesn’t wake us at 6:00 a.m. every morning blasting Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe,” our days have felt like Groundhog Day. The difference is what we’re experiencing is real life drama and not a movie!
Because no one knows how long we’ll be in this every-day-the-same mode, I’ve been evaluating my perspective. I’m inspired by others who have dealt with situations much more difficult than this that required extreme perseverance. Anne Frank and Corrie ten Boom come to mind. They both endured tragic events of World War II. Anne Frank wrote in her diary with notable optimism while living in hiding. Her writings reflect a perspective beyond her age.
- Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.
- How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
–Anne Frank
Corrie ten Boom lived through the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. She didn’t know if “normal” would ever return. But she never gave up. Because of a “clerical error,” she was released from prison. She chose to spend her life sharing her faith and hope in Jesus Christ.
- Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
- Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.
-Corrie ten Boom
What we’re coping with can’t compare with war time suffering. Yet–what we’re experiencing is real and needs to be acknowledged. Last weekend, Randy and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. We had planned a big summer party. We reserved a spacious home for out-of-town guests. Many planned to come from near and far. We had rented a venue and hired a caterer. I had sent save-the-date cards back in December. Then in April, we realized it would be impossible for people to travel safely and even to gather in a large group. So we decided to postpone our special event. Disappointing? Yes!
However, with a change of perspective, it’s possible to accept our reality and find ways to be grateful. Instead of a big celebration, we had a small party–in fact, a party of 3–Randy, my mom, and me. But what a joy to celebrate together! We ordered a delicious take-out dinner and a beautiful anniversary cake. Randy and Mom both brought sweet flower bouquets and balloons. It was about as perfect as it could be with our change of plans–our change of perspective.
50th Anniversary cake
Our party of 3!
It’s all about perspective!
During this season, I’m leaning into my faith in a much deeper, more intentional way. I’m challenging my beliefs. OK–do I believe God is Sovereign in all that’s happening? Do I believe He isn’t one iota surprised about what’s going on? Because I do believe God is in control, I am better equipped to deal with the unknown. How I look at what’s happening around me can make all the difference in how well I manage the sameness of our days and my choice to trust in the Lord–no matter what!
How’s your perspective?
What’s helping you cope in this strange new world?
I’d love to pray with you…
Thank you for sharing and Happy Anniversary to you two!!
My perspective is challenging as things are changing every day. I’m working in a new world of Zoom meetings, unable to see facial expressions, and anxieties are on the rise all around me. It has been especially difficult not to fall into that trap. I find myself going there whether I want to or not. I find myself operating in a world that has principalities and powers in control of so many situations.
The only thing getting me through is my faith in an everlasting God, who is still on the throne. Through a recent bible study in 1 & 2 Thess, God is working in me to have a more disciplined personal life. This is what I can control instead of trying to control everything else. This brings me peace in my circumstances that God provides beyond all comprehension. It is all still a work in progress, but simple little changes are making a difference. Many blessings to you!!