Matter of Perspective

I live in  Minnesota, where it is really cold. Today I was running errands and found myself at Target, or like many say "my happy place". I parked quickly, and since I wore my thinner winter coat, I jogged inside. (side note: if you want to see me jog just follow me on a cold day getting out of my warm car, you may have a hard time keeping up with me).

I spent some time leisurely shopping, even taking the time to look at kitchen towels...who ever has time to stop and look at kitchen towels. I checked out and went out to brave the cold (about 5 degrees F) I had too much stuff to leave the cart inside and got frustrated with the lack of cart wrangling areas. I had to walk 7-10 car lengths in the cold to return my cart...GRRR! Just then a funny thought hit me...the other day I was upset at all the silly cart wrangling areas taking up all the good parking spots.

It is all about perspective! When snow falls in MN, there are 2 types of people...those who are excited about the snow and those who are wanting to move to get away from the snow. So often in life we lose our perspective, we forget to see how life looks for others, and jump to frustration when things don't line up just right. I am guilty of all three.

I starting thinking about this idea of perspective in the Bible. It is hard to put yourself in the stories when you know the ending. Stop complaining Israelites, God is providing manna. Why is it such a big deal to be thrown in a furnace..God will rescue them. Sadness over Jesus' death does not even make sense to us since we know the ending. How often so we dwell in the moment of pain and forget to learn the lesson or rejoice in the provision provided.

I know wisdom is finding God's perspective or plan, yet most days I have a hard time taking the time to stop and find it. I think I need to slow down, look around and find the path God has for me today....even if it is a couple car lengths of uncomfortable.