Learning Along The Way

30 Days of Giving #5 Perspective

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Gloucester Cathedral doorHunting through digital photos is a sure path down Memory Lane. I am so thankful for iPhoto and its way of organizing for me by events. Of course I have to title and remember said event but it’s a start.

I am recognizing something about life from this side of half century: Perspective is Everything.

Some of you have already come to that party years ago, or maybe, just maybe, you haven’t arrived yet. So I will give you some of mine. Sharing is a skill we were supposed to learn in Kindergarten, right?

I found this picture last evening…Aralia KitchenIt makes me smile. I told my husband a while back that I am no longer in my pink phase. I bet you can guess from this photo what phase I have moved into now.

What does this have to do with sharing perspective? Bear with me…

I took this picture this morningphoto(61)

 

I’m sure you can see the similarities. The differences? A year later and two different kitchens.

I’m sure you can see the similarities. The differences? A year later and two different kitchens.  If you’ve been stopping by for awhile you know life changed radically this year for us. All good things but radical change.

Change is hard, but change is good.

Perspective is everything.

Why do I say that? Better yet How can I say that?

I am reminded every time I start to feel the “woe is me” mindset creeping into my thoughts of so many ways life could be drastically different:

death of a loved one

loss of a job

estranged family

loss of health

homelessness

mental illness

out of control debt

divorce

chronic pain

and the list can go on and on and on.

Perspective is everything.

A dear friend, and former youth pastor of our sons, has said on occasion “I want to glance at my circumstances and gaze at Christ.”

Now there is a dose of perspective.

Glance. Look at something briefly.

Gaze. Look steadily, intently, focused.

This is the perspective I give you today. Glance at your circumstances whatever they may be.

Gaze at Jesus. Through His creation (that’s everywhere). Through His Word (steadily, intently, focused)

Come back tomorrow for more in my personal challenge of 30 Days of Giving.

 

30 Days of Giving #3 Simple Ways, Simple Words

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Life can be full.  Sometimes full of my own agenda.  So full in fact that I can miss God’s agenda for me.

Yesterday we went to a once a month event in our area The Alameda Antiques Faire.  It’s quite an event.  Hundreds of vendors with thousands of items for sale; some crafted, some re-purposed, some simply collected and available.

Part of living the art I am learning I am meant to live involves connecting with people.  In a Million Little Ways God comes out through me when I am living fully me. Fully authentic.

So when I see someone’s creative work I talk to them about it.  That’s part of how I’m made. I ask them questions. I connect. And I share words of encouragement.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to give to a man who has spent hours designing, building and preparing for sale some amazing furniture made from wine barrels.  I did not buy his wares.  I wasn’t in the market for this size furniture.  But he was an incredible artist and I was struck by his work and attention to detail.  And I thanked him for his art.  His name is Andrew Parker.  He loves what he does so much that he has made 33 videos teaching anyone how to make your own wine barrel furniture and accessories. If you want to see his work or learn how to make something yourself you can find him at The Level Plumb and Square.

Taking a few moments to acknowledge his work and not just walk past didn’t really cost me anything that isn’t already God’s.  I spoke to Mr. Parker briefly.  Yet the joy on his face for the time I shared, and the words of encouragement I spoke, stuck with me the rest of the day.

It was a reminder to me that this is a simple way God wants His life to come out to the world through me: by giving encouragement.

What is a simple way that you show the life of God in you?

Follow Me…

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