Sometimes a walk on the beach reveals things you didn't know you needed to know. And it's a beautiful thing, gently sent from Jesus' hand.
Recently I went for a long walk on the beach with my husband and son. We marveled at God's creation, the beauty of the sky and surf and sand. Awe filled us as we admired the waves crashing on the enormous rocks, and the beautiful, smooth stones, shells, and sea glass that glistened on the shore. As we turned our gaze inland, we admired the beach houses, and dreamed aloud about which home we'd chose, or what changes we'd make if they were ours. One home in particular caught my attention. It was beautiful in its architecture, abundance of windows, and bright white trim (a must for me in a beach house). But what struck me as odd was the fact that it had a home placed directly between itself and the beach (so sad, I thought), and the angle at which it was built - a forty-five degree angle from the ocean. How strange, it seemed, to be so close to the ocean, and yet not face it! Still perplexed, I positioned myself to see the view of both of the houses. The home closest to the beach had a great view of the open sea. But the one behind, with that peculiar angle, had a breathtaking view up the shoreline to the huge "haystack" rocks where waves crashed spectacularly. To my surprise, that house had the superior view!
I began to ponder my own perspective, and my struggle to have the right one. Especially in this social media-driven world, I can feel like I'm so "behind" everyone else. I compare others' "highlight reels" with my bloopers, and come up short almost every time. But you know what? God didn't give me anyone else's life to live. Just mine. My life will not be the same as anyone else's, and I thank God for that. It's His gift to me, even the hard parts. Frankly, the hard parts are the ones that draw me closest to Him, and that gives them infinite value. Those people that built the beach house could have chosen to face the house "in front" of them, having an obstructed view of the beach. They would have always seen themselves as "behind" their neighbors. But instead, they chose to embrace what they had and make the best of it. And it turned out they had the best view of all.
I don't know about you, but I need Him to adjust my perspective. Are you with me? Let's seek to have eyes to see His abundant blessings in our own lives, not comparing ourselves with others, but treasuring the unique lives he's given us, obstacles and all. Let's cheer others on while embracing the beautiful views He's given us with hearts of thanksgiving. Each of our precious lives are custom made by His loving hands for us to enjoy.
“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.”
Ephesians 4:7 ESV
What obstacles are keeping you from seeing the blessings? I've been in the deep, dark places, and I know it is NOT always an easy thing to see the beauty in life. But hang in there, friend! The beauty will come! I'd be honored if you'd share how I could pray for you. Or if you'd encourage us all telling of the beauty you've found in hard places.
Recently I went for a long walk on the beach with my husband and son. We marveled at God's creation, the beauty of the sky and surf and sand. Awe filled us as we admired the waves crashing on the enormous rocks, and the beautiful, smooth stones, shells, and sea glass that glistened on the shore. As we turned our gaze inland, we admired the beach houses, and dreamed aloud about which home we'd chose, or what changes we'd make if they were ours. One home in particular caught my attention. It was beautiful in its architecture, abundance of windows, and bright white trim (a must for me in a beach house). But what struck me as odd was the fact that it had a home placed directly between itself and the beach (so sad, I thought), and the angle at which it was built - a forty-five degree angle from the ocean. How strange, it seemed, to be so close to the ocean, and yet not face it! Still perplexed, I positioned myself to see the view of both of the houses. The home closest to the beach had a great view of the open sea. But the one behind, with that peculiar angle, had a breathtaking view up the shoreline to the huge "haystack" rocks where waves crashed spectacularly. To my surprise, that house had the superior view!
I began to ponder my own perspective, and my struggle to have the right one. Especially in this social media-driven world, I can feel like I'm so "behind" everyone else. I compare others' "highlight reels" with my bloopers, and come up short almost every time. But you know what? God didn't give me anyone else's life to live. Just mine. My life will not be the same as anyone else's, and I thank God for that. It's His gift to me, even the hard parts. Frankly, the hard parts are the ones that draw me closest to Him, and that gives them infinite value. Those people that built the beach house could have chosen to face the house "in front" of them, having an obstructed view of the beach. They would have always seen themselves as "behind" their neighbors. But instead, they chose to embrace what they had and make the best of it. And it turned out they had the best view of all.
I don't know about you, but I need Him to adjust my perspective. Are you with me? Let's seek to have eyes to see His abundant blessings in our own lives, not comparing ourselves with others, but treasuring the unique lives he's given us, obstacles and all. Let's cheer others on while embracing the beautiful views He's given us with hearts of thanksgiving. Each of our precious lives are custom made by His loving hands for us to enjoy.
“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.”
Ephesians 4:7 ESV
What obstacles are keeping you from seeing the blessings? I've been in the deep, dark places, and I know it is NOT always an easy thing to see the beauty in life. But hang in there, friend! The beauty will come! I'd be honored if you'd share how I could pray for you. Or if you'd encourage us all telling of the beauty you've found in hard places.