I'm 23.
OMIGOSH …
I'm old. I'm getting wrinkly. My bones are starting to creak. My life should have already begun. I'm too old to just walk away from everything but too young to know any better. I have so much more to learn. I have so much more to try and figure out. OMIGOSH.
Or.
I'm 23.
OMIGOSH …
I'm sooo wise now. I've got years of experience and life lessons under my belt. The world is at my fingertips and I have so many opportunities that lay ahead. I'm young enough to live life but old enough to know better.
Perspective.
It's such a funny thing.
It can turn a negative thing into a positive or vice versa.
It can make or break your dreams.
It can affect your mood, your decisions .. your actions.
It can build you up.
OR
It can destroy you.
One of the official definitions of the word perspective (and there are a lot of them) is:
an optical glass; something that changes the way you view things.
Have you ever had a really bad day and just laid down in your backyard, or driveway, or whatever, and stared up into the universe?
No? That's just me?
Well, pretend that you might do that.
That you're just laying there looking at the vastness of God's creation.
It's a simple reminder of how BIG HE IS and how small we are.
It's a reminder of the greatness of our King.
And it's great perspective.
We're so focused in what's happening right here.
Right now.
In this moment.
That we don't see what's happening around us or out there, around the world.
We allow ourselves to get so caught up in our problems, insecurities, stresses, struggles, worries, that we don't look out.
We don't let God adjust our perspective.
Granted, re-adjusting our perspective isn't going to make finding gas money any easier, or reaching our dream more successful but it just might change our attitudes on things.
It's just like the #thankfulgame (yes, I just hashtagged) that I learned at camp and make everyone around me play when they are having an off day, moment, whatever.
It's a reminder of what we are so lucky to have.
Or not have.
Perspective.
It changes the way you treat relationships.
Take my sister for example. She's opened her home, and her heart to me. Living with her has been the biggest blessing. Not just financially, but just building such a deep and real relationship with her before I depart for a year.
This season of preparation has changed my perspective on so many things.
As Americans . .
we are so lucky. Beyond privileged. It's what we choose to do with that, that defines us.
We can sit and complain that life isn't fair, or we can make the most of our opportunities.
As an individual . .
I am so blessed. Yes, life has been a struggle this past year. Finances have been difficult but it's allowed for God to show up. Thank God that I live in a country where I have to worry about getting overweight or unhealthy because food is readily available. Thank God that I live in a country where worrying about paying the electric bill is a REAL worry because we HAVE electricity.
As a Daughter of Christ . .
I have taken so much for granted. And for that, I repent and pray for grace.
I think it hit me most when I was left car-less, my furniture was completely sold, and I was moving FOUR BAGS (all of my belongings) into my sister's house.
It's all about perspective.
Some people look at me, and think I've lost it.
Some people look at me, and wish they could do it. (you can!)
Some people look at me, and are just waiting for their season. (it will come!)
Some people support me.
Some people condemn me.
So . . . here I am. I find myself at a place where I own nothing. I'm borrowing a car. Giving away random things that I don't feel I'll need. About to sort through and get rid of EVEN more of my belongings.
And . .
I'm the happiest, most complete, than I've ever been because God needed to break my dependency on 'stuff.'
My life now surrounds relationship.
Just like all of ours should.
Don't get me wrong, material things are NOT evil. Money is NOT evil.
God blesses those who use the blessings responsibly.
Do I feel that I'm called to live on the side of the road? No.
How can I help those that need help if I don't have the backing to?
What matters is perspective.
Yes, work.
Yes, give tithe and offering.
Yes, be successful!
Yes, make money, and make sure your family is comfortable. And you know what, splurge on those SUPER cute shoes.
But remember where the money comes from.
Where the talents come from.
Remember to stay thankful to the One who provides.
And keep your priorities in line.
Relationship should come before the workplace.
And God should come before it all.
Remember to keep your perspective.
<3tasha
