by …Perspective
This word has been on my mind all day today. Bill and I are headed to Passion 2016 this weekend. (we cannot wait!!) We are asking God to show us HIS perspective as we enter into 2016.
perspective– a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. (outlook, position, attitude, frame of reference)
Websters definition of perspective– (a) the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed (b) the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance {Trying to maintain my perspective}
My “perspective” has been all over the place this holiday season. Trying to keep a “handle” on what’s important. We’ve been busy and overwhelmed with emotion since the unavoidable arrival of the one year of Warren’s death, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and now the New Year.
Many days have been spent trying to gain perspective and/or keep perspective. What was important? Do we get a tree this year? Should we spend the holidays with family or alone? Travel or stay at home? Gifts or no gifts? Laugh or cry? Anxious or calm? Attend the party or decline the invitation? Remember or choose to forget? Memories…allow them to settle and remember fondly or avoid the excruciating pain they can bring?
Each of these moments can bring me into a downward spiral (which they sometimes do…) Or, in God’s tender mercy, He helps me to see things through the lense of Heaven…Eternity…where I will be Forever with Jesus & Warren!!!
Looking back with perspective…eternal perspective, I can see God’s faithfulness…His goodness…His love for us…and His very tender care over us during this last year, especially these last two or so months.
It is definitely easier to look back opposed to looking ahead. My past…our last 13 months are secure. God was faithful and He did what He promised. He walked with us and never left us alone. We “made it” because He was enough and through it all He was bigger than our hurt. We know this because we’ve lived it and have seen Him miraculously meet us in our desperateness.
Perspective…I simply need to remind my weary heart of the awesomeness of God…even in the middle of my hurt. He has been ENOUGH and He will be ENOUGH!! It’s easy to get overwhelmed with life’s circumstances…I know of others who are facing situations, that are very much not what they thought of when they were making plans for 2016!
Jesus we want to SEE you. Open our eyes Lord. Open the eyes of our hearts and do not let us miss the MORE that you are offering. As painful as it might be, we are trusting You with our wounds…Seeking the One who continues to be our ROCK and our REFUGE.
It has certainly been messy at times and my perspective has been challenged, but even still, God was and IS at work !!! Whether I like it or not, 2016 is here and we are moving ONWARD & UPWARD!!
We will shine the light of Jesus and we will lean into the glory and brilliance of the Lord.
This last year was a year of BELIEVING with all our heart, mind and soul that Jesus Christ is Enough for Today and that our only HOPE is found in Him. We know, that we know, that we know…He is the same yesterday, today and FOREVER….
As we move forward into 2016 we are claiming this scripture and asking God to continue giving us ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.
“Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come,
And the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.Isaiah 60:1
Our last Christmas with Warren…..Christmas 2013 in Gatlinburg, TN
It was pretty much the most wonderful Christmas ever! Even if I’d known it would be our last, there isn’t much I would have changed…so thankful for such a wonderful memory, and one that truly warms my heart as I reflect back on it today.
Miss you so much bud…your laughter, your silliness & your tender heart toward your family. Longing to be with you … So proud to be your Mom! I love you, MORE!
Grieving With hope 
Beautiful. May the Lord bless your 2016!
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