There are
plenty of roadblocks on the pathway to peace and happiness. Some of us have
small pebbles strewn along the path. We can still drive or walk comfortably. Others
are faced with traffic accidents or construction zones. These people could be
slowed down for hours. They may even have to find an alternate route.
That’s why our perspective (viewpoint) is so
important. During this holiday season, especially, it’s crucial to concentrate
on what’s right in our lives rather than what isn’t. We need to take this approach to setbacks:
- They’re usually temporary.
- Sometimes, they aren’t as traumatic as they seem.
Examples of Perspective
Magnifying Glass
In the image above,
there are numerous stamps. However, only one of them is being held up to the
magnifying glass. Therefore, it is the “biggest” stamp. It is the one on which
the viewer focuses. There might as well be no other items in the picture at first glance.
A Spot on a Jacket
A hoodie is
pictured in this close-up shot. It’s fashionable and warm. This jacket can go
with many outfits. On the other hand, it has some spots. Most individuals
wouldn’t want to wear it outside. They would be aware that people would concentrate
on the spots rather than on the unblemished portion of the garment.
Telescope
These
instruments help us to see items at a great distance. The Hubble Telescope can even
capture images 13 billion light years away from Earth. However, if you look
through the other side of any telescope, the picture in front of you is
distorted. That image will be small. Here’s
a story from Joel Osteen:
A young boy
was bothered by a neighborhood bully. This had been a problem for some time. He
and his dad were trying to come up with solutions. Finally, the young man
changed his attitude when his dad gave him a telescope for Christmas. He told
his dad that he was no longer intimidated by the tormentor. That’s because he
looked at the mean young man through the wrong end of the telescope. This made
the bully looked much smaller than he actually was.
Carol Graham
My good
friend recently wrote a thought-provoking article
about the importance of perspective. It’s great for a “Hmmm. That’s something
to think about!” moment.
The Bible
“So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we
wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father
knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and
all these things will be given to you as well.”—Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)
We cannot
always fix our own lives; we’re human. We have to rely on God. Here are some of
the attributes the Bible says God grants to us:
- Eternal life
- Guidance
- Strength
- Healing
- Supplying our Needs
- Deliverance
- Protection
My Conclusion
“Focus on the promise, not the
problem.”—Joel Osteen
Life is
always about perspective. We can “magnify” either our trials or God’s promises.
One choice can make us miserable; the other will may give us joy.
Related Posts
Do you choose to magnify the negative
or the positive?
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