Frame of Reference
Have you ever thought how hard it would be to drive in reverse everywhere you go?
But isn’t that what we do with our lives when we view our days through lens focused on the past?
So many of us carry heavy baggage from our past and become completely weighed down by its perceived enormity that we are soon mired down and stuck in our journey. I know…it happens to me - more than I would like to admit with my grief over the loss of Zach. It is so easy to let my view - my frame of reference - to be determined by that grief.
When this is the case, it is amazing how my outlook is affected. It becomes much easier to slip into the game of what if and why that always leads to frustration, anger and bitterness to come rushing to the surface. Suddenly my focus becomes directed on ME - my little story - and this complete injustice that has been brought to ME in the this life. I lose focus on the bigger picture around me and the sovern plan God has for my life.
Soon I find myself in a deep dark pit of self pity and sorrow not really “seeing” what is in front of me, just what was in my past and how much I want it back. Let me tell you, this is a dangerous and difficult place to be! It is very hard work to climb out of this pit and takes determination and strength beyond myself - unfortunately I know for I have climbed these walls time and time again over the past three years.
I keep wondering, why do I keep finding myself in this pit? Can I not learn from my past mistakes? The answer is yes, I do learn from the past mistakes but this world that surrounds us is one filled with manipulation that can easily pull our focus to our past and taint our view with the heavy baggage that lies in wait there. We are warned Satan is a sly and cunning character.
What I am thankful for is the faithfulness of our Mighty Creator! No matter how many times I slip and begin to question God’s plan for my life - thinking surely I could have done better than this life I am living -He teaches me something new! My understanding of His love grows and my frame of reference suddenly becomes focused once again on the wonderful prize He has promised us all - eternity with Him and all those we love that have accepted this wonderful gift!
By chosing to removing the tainted lens of grief from my view and slipping on the lens of an eternal focus, my outlook becomes filled with hope. I realize there is one purpose for us all in this life and that is to continually prepare for this gift that awaits us! Approach all the tasks that appear before us as another opportunity to glorify God and share His love with those around us who may not have had the chance to learn about the amazing gift!
God’s promise…”For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
For His Glory,
Sherry
