Changing Your Perspective…

PERSPECTIVE

 2 Corinthians 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Reflections: One of the greatest things about serving others is that it really gives you a new perspective about your life, particularly when you work with children and youth. These little ones (and even the ones who are not so little 🙂 ) require so much of your time, attention, and care that they take you outside of  yourself and require that you focus fully on someone else for a little while.

When we experience times of trial and turn to God for comfort, I think that at times, He purposefully presents opportunities for us to go, give, and serve. The reason? When our minds are focused on the world and the people that exist beyond our circumstances, when we see that we can make even a little difference in someone else’s life or brighten their day, it makes our own problems seem a little less daunting and overwhelming and…well…important, in the grand scheme of things.

The next time you find yourself stressing, worrying, or feeling consumed by a challenge in your life, seek out an opportunity to help someone else. You’ll be surprised how much it will soothe your spirit and change your perspective about the situation at hand.

Shine your light!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Song: The Things We Do by Yolanda Adams

It’s Not Always About Me? Really? (SELFlessNESS)

SELFlessNESS

Colossians 1:16 – “For in Him, all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and FOR Him.” [emphasis mine]

Reflections:

So…it’s not all about me…

I know!! I was just as shocked as you are! *smile* Seriously, though, when we are in the midst of a troubling situation, it’s easy to forget that our purpose on this earth is not to fulfill our own worldly desires. Our true purpose is to serve God and be obedient to the call He has placed on our lives, even if that calling takes us to or through places and circumstances we would rather avoid.

I think that when we hold desperately to our own plan, instead of letting go and seeking the plan that God has put before us, we end up making our lives much more difficult in the long run. God does not promise that the path He selects for us will be easy, but He DOES promise that He will never leave us or forsake us, that He will guide us through it all, and that in the end, it will all work out for our good and His glory.

So, the next time you find yourself absorbed in your “stuff,” take a moment to remember, it’s not about you, or me, or any of us; it’s about God, and the work that He’s called us to do.

Shine your light!