A Change of Perspective

Today I started training for a new mini-job…and I liked it! It felt good to actually be doing something that is productive, and that will hopefully bring in a little extra money. And that gave me a tad bit of hope for tomorrow.

It got me thinking about perspective. I don’t often have a very good view on life. I focus on the things that I’m struggling with, instead of holding on to the joys and the blessings and the many things that I have to be thankful for. In any respect, my perspective could most definitely use an overhaul!

When I don’t feel motivated to do anything during the day, it brings me down. But instead of letting how I feel pull me into a pit of despair, I want to focus on taking a baby step towards accomplishing some goal, and thanking God when He helps me to take that step. When I feel alone and like no one understands what I’m going through, I want to focus on praising God that HE understands, and try to reach out to someone else who may be struggling. And when I want to give up because things are just too hard, I want to focus on the fact that the Lord has gotten me this far, and rejoice because He posesses an unlimited reserve of strength that is available to me for my journey.

I know that this change of perspective – this refined focus – is going to take time. But if I can apply this new outlook to even the smallest of everyday tasks, it will start to because more of a habit. And then it will become natural. And that’s the way I want it to be! I want to be a positive person.

Will you pray for me I seek to adopt a more positive perspective? I would greatly appreciate it. And what about you? Would you also like to change the way you look at life? Please feel free to leave a comment so that I can pray for you as well.

And remember…

Tomorrow is going to be amazing!

The Joy Dare – Three Old Things Seen New

Sometimes it’s difficult to change our perspective and to see “old things” through “new eyes.” But that was my dare for yesterday, and God provided three things that I needed to see in a new way!

  1. Perceiving “Small Stuff” for What it Is – I worry about little things. I don’t know why…maybe it’s a part of my perfectionism and OCD. But God showed me (and I’m sure that He will need to continue to show me) that He’s got them under control. If He has the BIG things in His hands – like the operation of the entire universe – I should think that He can take care of a few details in my life. As my wise Grandmom always tells me, “Don’t sweat the small stuff!”
  2. Starting with a Clean Slate – It was another one of those days where I poked my head outside in the early morning and was blessed to see the sunrise in the distance. It reminded me of how my old sins from the previous day had been completely washed away by my Savior. With the new morning came new mercies, and also a new opportunity to rely on God to obey Him.
  3. Being Re-Inspired by a Familiar Verse – 1 Peter 5:7 has always been a favorite Scripture of mine: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (NKJV). But as I was reading a selection from 31 Days of Praise, I encountered a different version of the verse. It read: “You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern” (PHILLIPS). This just clicked with me. I could give the entire weight of my worries to God, because my well-being matters to Him. When someone or something is your personal concern, it means that everything that happens to that person or thing is important to you. So every single situation that concerns me concerns God – and I can trust Him with each one!

One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.

Henry Miller


Photo Credit: Bjorn Simon

The Glass is Half Full

Does anyone have any practical ideas or advice regarding how to be a more positive person? I tend to see things from a negative perspective, and I really want to focus on being more optimistic this year. Any and all thoughts are appreciated! 🙂

glass-is-half-full


Photo Credits: Unknown