Perspective>Reality

Sometimes seasons of our life can be frustrating.

I’m the type of person that always strives to put my best foot forward. I place so much pressure on myself to be the best I can be. Recently, I’ve been made aware of a few things in my working life that are untrue and have been difficult for me to process because I feel misrepresented.

There are so many pieces right now that I just sit and stare at and know they’re “wrong.” Know that I don’t feel seen or appreciated in these areas. I’ve spent many moments in prayer lately when I’m thankful that my Father knows the words I can’t articulate.

I went into this past weekend with so much frustration and was just flat out not happy. I was angry. I felt that things happening around me weren’t fair and should have been handled much differently than they were.

My Saturday wasn’t what I thought it would be. I wrote an appointment down wrong and didn’t have a chance to do something I was expecting. However, the time back meant when a friend messaged and asked me to bring myself and my daughter to an impromptu lunch date, I could say yes. I’m thankful for that time.

Yesterday began as most Sundays in our home; each of us running around trying to make sure everyone is ready on time to make it to the services my husband and I serve in with our brothers and sisters in ministry.

One of our Pastors brought a great word and the Lord gently nudged me toward a few things. Naturally, I like to write these pieces down and share with anyone who just so happens to stumble upon this blog of mine.

When we are so frustrated with things in life that “aren’t fair,” things that we “deserve better than.” Things that make that big “I” inside of you take offense and rise up, the problem is that there is so much “I” living inside of that situation. That’s not to say that the Lord doesn’t go before us and want us to have the best opportunity that places us where he’s designed for us to go…it just means when there’s so much of “me” hanging out, there’s a lot less room for Him.

For weeks, I’ve been praying over a different situation in my life. Praying for the Lord to remove all parts of me from that situation and direct my steps. What I failed to recognize was that in praying that in earnest, I have to remember I don’t limit God. When I’m praying “show me the places where there’s too much me” means that he will do that in all of the areas I’m involved in. It doesn’t change the frustration of a situation but it changes how I look at it.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:23-24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

THAT scripture was in the passage I “randomly” selected to read this evening. Talk about a reality check.

When I’m so wrapped up in how these pieces are “wrong” and “unfair,” is my behavior aligned with what it should be? (Fun fact: the answer is no). When I’m feeling like I “deserve” to be treated more fairly than what I’m seeing or facing, and I’m using my voice to express these frustrations, am I working for the honor of my Father or myself (man and approval of man)?

You may not be able to change the situation you’re frustrated with but you can change your perspective and how you approach it and, many times, THAT can make all the difference!