Why do you take a camera with you on vacation? I do because I expect to see something I’d like to turn into a memory.
That is also the reason I keep my phone with me when I go out for a walk. I never know what beauty, uniqueness or special moments will be there for me to capture.
Many years ago, I decided to approach each day this way. Not with a camera, but by focusing on the gifts God has placed all around me. During this time, I have observed so much that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
There are countless reasons to be thankful. Some are large and obvious. Others are commonplace and easily missed. When I purposefully look for them, they become beacons to happiness.
This morning I looked out my window as the sun was rising over the frozen landscape. Instead of thinking how cold it was going to be for me to walk to an appointment this morning, I took a few moments to be grateful for a new day and the opportunity to embrace whatever it may bring.
I may not feel the same when I step into the frigid air, but there is a much better chance than if I approach it with negativity.
The secret to my happiness is not really a secret. All I have to do is open my eyes to all that God has given me. When my focus shifts from lack to abundance, I am more likely to capture the special moments and turn them into precious memories.
Tag: perception
Perception
The roofers returned to ask me about the skylight. They were confused as the one being replaced opened from the inside. I was asked if this was important to me as they couldn’t understand why anyone would want to try to escape through their skylight. After explaining that we frequently opened it for ventilation, they headed off to find the proper replacement.
I laughed to myself at the thought of trying to escape through the skylight onto the roof. To be fair, these men had never seen a skylight that opened and it seemed to them like the only reason that would be necessary would be to climb out through it. It was all a matter of perception.
That is something I need to keep in mind in my everyday life. Without all of the information, I can’t possible know the true story. What I think of a situation may be the exact opposite to what it really is.
I’ve heard it said that there are three sides to every story. One is yours, one is mine and the third is the truth. It that case, my perception is always off.
What I need to do is to pray about the situation. When I honestly seek out the truth that God gives, I will be able to rely on his perfect leading and not my own limited understanding.
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Romans 12 NLT