Switch Flipped…

I cannot say that I am 100% back in the mindset I need to be in since my last untitled post. But what I can say is that the switch has been flipped a bit.  And yes, God can and does, at times, work that quickly.

While I was attempting to write a post whining about growing older and not liking the idea of having 37 happen tomorrow, God had other plans.  Delivered on a plate by my amazing daughters was my early birthday cupcake they spent the evening making and baking.  I immediately changed direction on my post and ended it.  After that event, and a couple of responses following the post, I was quickly reminded that I needed a perspective change. This is needed from time to time.

Its easy for us (me, especially) to focus more on the negatives in life than what may actually be happening.  As a long time friend of mine put it; “You’re too close to your own story.”  I was having a lot of trouble seeing beyond the reality.  But perspective is limited to the one experiencing it.  Unless, of course, you have people willing to step in and broaden it for you.

This is one of the primary reasons why we are specifically designed for relationship.  We need someone willing to be bold enough to let us know when we’ve missed it.  On that same note, we need someone willing to step in and shift our focus when we can’t see the truth.  The enemy of our souls wants us to live in a place that prevents us from being able to see the good in ourselves, the changes we’ve made and the real person that we are.  It’s not denying the reality of the real life things we deal with.  Rather, its choosing to see beyond the forest into the open expanse of truth.  Who does God say I am?  How does He view me?  Because ultimately, His truth is what really matters.

I’m not a bad person and my life doesn’t suck.  Though some of the circumstances certainly do.  In fact, I’m a great person with a lot to offer.  I’m not a perfect dad nor husband – far from it.  But I do like to bitch from time to time when life gets heavy and circumstances beyond my control seem to compound one on the other.  This doesn’t change who I am.  But it seems God will intervene  when least expected so that He can regain our attention when we lose sight of His truth.

So with that I choose to embrace 37 and the gray that has penetrated my beard.  Thank you to those who were willing to speak up and remind me of the truth.  And the cupcake was really good…just in case you were wondering.