Changing Our Perspective
Updated: Jan 26, 2023
How many of us have had unfair situations happen in our lives? I would bet each one of us could make a list, some longer than others I'm sure. But how we view these circumstances is what will make all the difference in our lives, I encourage you not to get stuck where you are.
We can be defeated by them or rise above them! When I think about all the unfair things I've experienced I am quickly reminded to put them into perspective and the reason is because of the influence my Grandma Bradford had on me.
For those of you who don't know of her she was a remarkable woman & a rare gem! She had a sweet disposition, her smile was infectious, I just loved being around her quiet presence.
To give you an idea of what kind of lady she was I'll list a few of her characteristics. She took care of her mother-in-law for 40 yrs in her home, she allowed me to put pig tails in her hair & pretend I was her beautician (mind you this is right after she paid a beautician to do her hair). She lost four fingers when she pulled weeds out of the combine tractor, she was on kidney dialysis for 13 yrs. WOW right?! She endured a lot in her life yet she remained kindhearted. She had a profound impact on my life because of the way she always viewed the challenges she faced & how she continuously told me I could do anything I set my mind to. How blessed was I to have that encouragement at such a young age!
When I was young I would often ask her questions about her hand & her response was always the same. "Honey I'm glad it happened to me & not Grandpa". When I asked why she would tell me Grandpa wouldn't have been able to handle it so she was grateful it was her & not him. For years I wondered how she could possibly think this way. Years later she went on kidney dialysis, do you know she said the same thing then too? She was grateful it didn't happen to Grandpa.
Not only did she teach me what unconditional love is, but she taught me how to change my perspective of my situations. I can look at every challenge as poor me or I can be grateful for the lessons I have learned from them. I can tell you when our son died this was not my immediate reaction, but overtime I was able to find things I was grateful for. I was grateful he was in our lives for two years, I was grateful he was home when he passed, I was grateful for the friendships that formed from that experience.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Perhaps you didn't grow up with a Grandma like mine, if that's the case let these words be your encouragement.
You can do anything you set your mind to! Don't be defined by what has happened to you in your life, allow it to strengthen your resolve to rise above it all.
Psalms 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Written by: Jill Theriault
Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime
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