A Matter of Perspective

I had the great honor of working in the church nursery this morning. I sat on the floor and hung out with one and two-year-olds for an hour with my shoes kicked off and a smile on my face. Most of these little ones have been known to me since they were precious promises growing inside their mothers bodies. Now they are toddling around, talking to each other, even negotiating the sharing of toys. I had a blast.

If you ever lose your sense of wonder and joy, volunteer to hang out with the little ones in your church. Everything is amazing to them and you can't help but get caught up in their enthusiasm! And, sometimes, they just might teach you a lesson or two.

As the children were playing, we pulled out some 3 x 5 cards with pictures of animals on them. We'd hold up a cow and ask what it is and one, or some, of them would yell "COW!" We'd ask what sound it makes and some of them would sing out "MOOOOO!" I just love listening to their sweet voices! Everything went along great, they knew the kitty cat, the sheep, and the duck. Then we got to the fish. We held up the card and said, "What is this?" Three of the kids said, in unison, "Cackle!" Huh? "It's a pretty fish," we said. "So, what is this?" They sighed, "A CACKLE!" We were a bit befuddled. Suddenly, I figured it out and started laughing so hard I couldn't speak. They were saying "A Cracker!!" A fish cracker! Of COURSE it is!

They were absolutely right, it did look like a cracker. We were also right, it was a fish. So, how could two completely different answers both be correct? Perspective, my dear. It is all how we look at things.

In our lives, we often face things that look like one thing to us, but in reality are something else entirely. I've been studying the book of Philippians for the past few weeks, and Paul has a great deal to say regarding perspective in this book. Sometimes we face difficult circumstances. Our first instinct is most likely going to be hurt and disappointment; that's a very human response. Paul, however, faced trials far greater than any I've experienced and found the good in each one. He opens his letter to the church at Philippi, what we call the book of Philippians, with greetings and thanksgiving. And He was in chains, imprisoned for sharing the Gospel message. But, he didn't look at those chains as limitations; he viewed them from a different perspective. He saw them as another avenue for ministry. He says in Philippians 1:18:

"The important thing is that in every way...Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."

This week when you face challenges, and I know you will, I urge you to make a concerted effort to prayerfully look at these trials with a different perspective. How can God be glorified through this difficult circumstance? Once you figure that out, DO IT! Glorify Him so all might see the light of Jesus in you.