Looking for a change? Try a new 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's birthday 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. Sometimes we need to look at things from a new perspective instead of doing them the same old way.
When the man didn't believe Jesus could be the son of God because of where he was born, a friend of his pointed him to 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 angle.
On a practical level, a change of perspective can simplify our life. Some examples of this is to work smarter, not harder. That means think of different ways to lighten our load. Trimming excessive tasks can help, or delegating to others.
Another change of perspective is to forgive someone who has hurt or offended us. We think that means the other person got away with something. But it's really to protect 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.
Change in perspective can bring growth and new opportunities our way. 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 this year, 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.