PERSPECTIVE

 

I don't want to believe a lie. Who does? But if I don't know it's a lie, then I don't know not to believe it, right? So, how do I know unless I look at something from another perspective?  It's all about perspectives. Generally we all think that the way we view life is the best way until we've been given an alternative view. After a week with a sick 10 month old, I've seen life from a different angle. We, as humans, typically don't change up our day-to-day operations unless we are on vacation, sick, or going through a major life event. Thus, I've decided to try an experiment this week:

I am a naturally routine person. That is one of the major reasons I adore my husband. He has always been able to get me to be spontaneous and impulsive: two things I yearn to be but can't do very well when left to my own devices. I mean really... During a normal week, I have certain days to drink coffee and certain to drink tea, days for laundry, and days for exercise. I even try to schedule in days with nothing scheduled (which kind of defeats the purpose). Now before you think I'm crazy, realize that I get my hyper-organized lifestyle from my own mother, and there are some benefits to this type-A type of living. However, I realized how I will probably scar my own child with this lack of flexibility. As much as I try to be flexible in life and have learned to "roll with inevitable punches and curves in the road," especially with a baby, I have decided to have a purposefully unscheduled week. Think the movie Yes Man! meets the movie Eat Pray Love. I mean I will obviously do this within reason. I still have obligations as a mother, wife, teacher, and tutor; thus, I can't fly off to Scotland because I desire spontaneity. However, this personal challenge is not only a benefit to my own growth and my son's growth, but more importantly a recognition of my need for the Spirit's growth. 

If you know anything about Christianity, you know that God gave his believers His own Spirit as "a helper" to lead us through this challenging life. (Praise the Lord for this gift!) 

Unfortunately, in the same way I dance with my husband, I tend to take the lead in my own life and neglect to live (as the Christian culture calls it) "spiritually led." Instead of asking the perfect Spirit to guide my every step, I choose to make my own way and ask the Spirit to come along side of my plans.  I hope to change this during the next 7 days. I hope to rise each day and open myself up to the smallest of changes in my normal day so as to see what God has in store for me. I pray I can see things from a new perspective that I wouldn't otherwise have recognized in my own day-to-day. 

I challenge you to try something new this week.  If you are naturally unorganized, see if you can schedule time for three important things every day this week. If you are naturally quiet, open yourself to talking to a stranger. Whatever it may be, we could all use a dose of perspective. We don't know what we don't know. I'm excited to see what the week holds... Who knows, maybe I will take that trip to Scotland after all.

~Busted Buster