This morning I was looking at some photos from four years ago, reminiscing. I remember four years ago when I looked at these pictures I felt ashamed of my weight. Now I look at them, I think, wow, I use to be skinny (at least skinnier) and very attractive (not that I’m not still attractive). My skin tone was much more caramel like, because I still lived in the Caribbean at that time and had more access to the sun.

I find it amazing how time changes one’s perspective on things. I remember, in the early years of my marriage, okay, probably up until a few months ago, when things got tough, I use to think that this is how it’s always going to be, but of course that was a lie of the devil. Storms don’t last forever. Like the word says:

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)

Do Not Worry

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

I’m taking that word to heart, because experience has led me to believe in its truth. Let me share a recent testimony with you. Since the beginning of 2011, my family has been broke. We have had a little money come in here or there, just enough to provide for our needs and not very much to provide for our wants. I decided this time I won’t worry, because God will provide for our needs and eventually he’ll provide some of our wants too. So I didn’t worry, with exception of feeling briefly discouraged at times. Now just recently, someone very close to us came into some money, and she filled our cupboards and refrigerator with good food, fruits, vegetables, meat, even the fun stuff, like yogurts, microwave popcorn, snacks, etc. I am thankful to God for the good people he has placed in our lives in these times of financial struggle. I pray that someday, he will put us in a position to do the same for others as well as bless the ones who really came through for us in our times of need.

My advice to you, no matter what situation your life’s in today. Take inventory of all your blessings, great friends, a home, etc, and think outside the box too, the little things you take for granted that play a vital role in your well-being and happiness, for example, clean water, bet you take that for granted. How about the park in walking distance from your house, bet you don’t go there as much as you could. Being able to take a warm shower, think about it. They are many little ways God blesses our lives everyday that we take for granted but would definitely miss if these blessings were taken away. Think about it today while you complain and worry, see if it doesn’t change your perspective on things.

Have a great day!

God Bless!

Tish

Power Word: Perspective