Perspective.
The British dictionary defines it this way – “a way of regarding situations and facts, and judging their relative importance; the proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it.”
It’s the way to see things clearly, rightly, and accurately; not skewed by the news and opinions swirling around us.
Life presents challenges, some days more than others. Some challenges more difficult than others. But we need to remember life won’t always be like it is today.
The sky and yard were in pitch darkness when I first came to sit. Watching the horizon, the sun is now just about starting to come up, and softly whispers this reminder …
Life is short and life changes.
A recent reading of Psalm 90 brought a few reminders on the shortness of life:
- God measures time differently than people. “For a thousand years in You sight are like yesterday when it passes by” (verse 4, NASB).
- The days wither away. “In the morning they [days] are like grass which sprouts anew … and fade and withers away” (verse 5-6, NASB).
- The days pass as quickly as a sigh. “We have finished our years like a sigh” (verse 9, NASB). This one made me pause as I thought of how little time it takes to breathe a sigh.
Recognizing the shortness of life, and that life changes, the psalmist brings this nugget of truth:
“So teach us to remember our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”
(verse 12, NASB)
If life is short, then we would be wise to make the most of every day.
Adjust to the challenges. See the possibilities hidden in each day. Have meaningful conversations. Laugh with family and friends.
And may this be our prayer every day:
“O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (verse 14, NASB)
We may never know the power of a visit. In this beautiful and tender post, Lisa Burgess shares her heart for those who have lost their memories. You can read, “Whoever You Are, Come Visit” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Niklas Jonasson on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
In my experience, when people say life is short, it is said to guilt someone into putting up with an unacceptable situation. That is why this line stuck out to me: “If life is short, then we would be wise to make the most of every day.” Making the most of every day for me means letting go of what no longer serves me while accepting the thing I cannot change and releasing them to God. Perspective is everything.
I hope you know my intent was not to guilt any one. Time is precious and the days pass so quickly. I truly want to make the most of each day, enjoying the people in my life and experiencing all God has for me. I don’t want to miss Him in any of my days for there is something to be learned and gained each day. You are so right, Yvonne, perspective is everything.
The older I get, the faster time seems to fly. Looking back, it’s hard to fathom I’ve lived so many decades. I appreciate that your example of making the most of every day wasn’t to try to cram ever more in or go at breakneck speed, but to appreciate the moments, the time with people, and to find meaning.
Barbara, your thoughts made me stop and think this morning. May we not go at a breakneck speed but instead slow down a bit so as not to miss a single moment of what God has for us. I appreciate you.
I took “gaining a heart of wisdom” as the tagline for my blog at the very beginning because it has always seemed to me that wisdom is the goal. I see now, of course, that Christ is the goal, and wisdom is a byproduct of a life devoted to him. Maybe we only realize a heart of wisdom worth presenting to him in retrospect, after a long, following obedience?
Amen, Michele. In having Christ as our goal, we gain so much more. May I follow hard after Him for all of my days.
Your words today are so pertinent to me, Joanne. I’ve been thinking more and more about the impermanence of everything, how nothing but God ever stays the same. It can leave me a little unmoored. I have to rest on God as my Rock to keep from being troubled. Thanks for your encouragement here.
Thanks, too, for sharing my post about my aunt. I appreciate you.
I so appreciated the thoughts you shared as they truly brought me perspective this morning. I am feeling a little unmoored with some changes I am navigating as I do not like change. I have to trust and rest on God that He will be my Rock and guide me rightly.
Your post about your aunt touched me deeply. I’m praying it will do the same for others.
Just the words my heart needed to hear this morning, Joanne! Each day is a precious treasure. I need to live expectantly within each day.
Yes! We need to live expectantly each day and wait to see what it holds for us! And “wait” is our word 🙂
Joanne, such great wisdom here! Oh that we would embrace this as a way of life! I just experienced a sudden change I did not see coming, so your words today are so relevant and empowering. Thank you!
Another post that brings great peace and encouragement as you share your heart for God in your words Ms. Joanne. Thank you ma’am.
These are such pertinent words, Joanne, “Life is short and life changes.” It’s a good reminder to give thanks and to appreciate the here and now.
Loved your line, “If life is short, then we would be wise to make the most of every day.” This very subject has been on my mind a lot lately. I’m so very prone to frittering time away!
Beautiful post Joanne…a subject that has been on my heart of late as my mother recently passed away on my birthday.
She was suffering, so I saw this as a blessed gift from the Lord in taking her home on that day.
Life indeed is like a sigh it goes incredibly fast.
That old adage from CT Studd constantly comes to mind;
” Only one Earth life soon it will pass, only what’s done for Jesus will last!”
Blessings,
Jennifer
Amen.
I paused on the “sigh” verse, too. A quick breath in and out is how quickly life can seem to flash by. I try to keep my values front and centre to help make the best choices in each moment. I don’t always succeed and hunker down for the next task instead of staying present. But I am getting better…! Lovely post!
Joanne, we’re definitely on the same wavelength this week with Psalm 90. You’re right … all we have for sure is today, so appreciating and adjusting seems like the best approach. Tomorrow can wait until tomorrow, worries and all. Hugs, friend.