It is so easy for life to feel complicated at times, even if it really is not. So much has to do with one’s perspective or point of view. We can become bogged down in the details and lose sight of the meaning of the larger “picture.” When we focus on ourselves and our circumstances to the exclusion of the broader point of view, we can be tempted to become confused, frustrated and stuck.
This photo may look like a mess, because there is no context. When we understand that it is a close up of a beach, it begins to make a bit of sense. When stuck, I believe taking a breath and a proverbial or literal step back can begin to bring our lives into perspective with the world around us. If we “pull out” a bit and look at a larger view of a beach we might begin to understand how the gull feather landed on the shore.
Even here we do not see the Big picture. But now we see sand and water and a gull. It begins to make more sense. The “step back” offers us more information and informs us how we fit, or belong in the larger flow of life. If we step back even farther a broader view becomes available, again informing our “minute particulars” from the first close up. We begin to see an openness, beauty and even freedom.
When we remember we are only one of billions who live on the earth, one might feel encouraged that we are not alone, or it is possible to feel worthless and to wonder why bother….
That is where I want to invite you to God’s REALLY BIG, even ETERNAL perspective.
This is a distant picture of the moon. Since I am not an astronaut,=} I was not able to take my own distant photo of the earth, but I think you get my gist. This is only one of countless orbs in the Milky Way, which is in turn only one of innumerable galaxies. Yet, Our creator made each human uniquely then strategically placed each of us where we are! Personally, it blows my mind sometimes.
Our creator is able to see our close-up picture with every intricate detail as well the full picture of all of eternity at the same time. He also understands not only where we fit in that huge expanse, but why we are there. The really wonderful thing is that God not only is able, but also has the will to lead us into all truth, to find our place. The word of God promises us that God works all things together for good, (Rom. 8:28) and that the plans he has for us are not bad, but good and for a future and a hope! (Jer. 29:11)
It gets better!
The one who made us and knows everything about every individual and loves us so much He sent the Holy Spirit, a part of the Creator Himself, to live inside of every believer! This third person of the Trinity allows us take that “step back” to know the will of God then empowers us to accomplish it. We only need to look up and listen: “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6
So I pray to have God’s eternal perspective. We are finite and can not grasp it all, but I am sure the one who made us will lead us to understand what we need to know to succeed. So I try to keep from getting stuck in the “close-ups.” I do my best to listen to the Spirit of God within me. It allows me to “step back, see and understand the REALLY BIG picture, or at least as much as I can handle.
When you are “stuck” in the close-ups, how do you best “step back” to connect with the one who has every hair on you head numbered and every star accounted for? How do you set your mind on the Spirit?
I bless you with an abundance of life & peace!
