Sometimes we just need to change our perspective

"Come and see!"

- John 1:46 (AMP)

It was the first of the month and I decided to leave the birthday gift I got for my friend on her front porch a few days early.

When I called her later that day to make sure she found it, she mentioned her son said, "Someone thought your birthday was today." Once my friend read her card, she knew it came right on time, since we always talk about celebrating our birthday month. She felt this gift given on the first was a sure sign of a good birthday month.

After talking with her, I thought how we need to stretch our thinking - think outside the box, so to speak.

We box ourselves with small perceptions, doing things the same old way we've always done them - or how we perceive they should be done.

In the Bible there was a story about a man who didn't believe Jesus could be the Son of God because of the town where has was born. He thought nothing good comes from that place. However, a friend of his pointed him to see Christ's goodness for himself, and the man gained a new perspective.

He would have missed out on the blessings of a spiritual life had he refused to be open-minded to a new possibility.

On a practical level, a change of perspective can simplify our life. Some examples of this is to work smarter, not harder. Trimming excessive tasks can help, as well as delegating to others.

On a spiritual and emotional level, a change of perspective could mean to forgive someone who has hurt or offended us. We think forgiving them means the other person got away with something. But it's really about protecting our soul from becoming bitter and damaged.

Instead, we are to leave our vengeful thoughts alone and trust God to take care of the outcome.

Perspective changes bring growth and new opportunities our way, and can smooth out a rough spot with a friend or loved one. On the other hand, holding on to the wrong perspective can cause the same old problem to perpetuate and remain unresolved.

If you're willing to discover some new perspectives, you may consider praying this prayer: "Father, help me to change the way I think, feel and perceive."

Then watch out for what new perspectives may come your way.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.