Perspective

It really is all about perspective. For instance...this past week I've been worried (freaking out is more like it) about my car breaking down, how much it was going to cost to fix it, could it even be fixed at all...and how all of that was going to impact my desire to get married in a few months (and already wondering how to pay for it). Then while I'm wallowing (yes, wallowing) in self-pity - I am made aware that things really could be worse.

The first thing that happened was I heard about an acquaintance whose husband had been home from Iraq for the holidays and while on his way back to the base to return to Iraq, he's killed. I mean he survives Iraq and he's killed on the way to the base?!...leaving behind his young wife (I can't remember now if they had children, but I think they did have a infant/toddler). Talk about life not being fair...it was a vivid and sobering reminder how thankful I should be for my health, the health and well-being of my kids, grandkids, boyfriend, and his kids... to never take one moment for granted... to plan for the future, but live in the moment.

The second incident was today a friend told me he had just found out his best friend had been having an affair with his secretary. Someone found out (or suspected) confronted the guy and now he's disappeared - just run away - leaving behind a big mess. The ripples from his actions will go on for a long time. Impacting not only his family, and the family of the woman he was involved with, but his church, everyone connected to that church and countless others. This rippling effect is not new to me...I know from personal experience the many ways this sin destroys lives. But, still, it was another reminder to be thankful for the wonderful man I have in my life now and to the best of my ability and with God's help and guidance - to always treat him with kindness and respect...

You know it's only been a little over a week since Christmas and the whole season which focuses on others and generally brings out the best in people - and like so many others, I had already slipped back into the 'old' ways - focusing on myself and my problems - when really compared to the shattering events these two families have suffered this week, I've got nothing to worry about and everything to be thankful for...

by the way, my car is fixed and for a lot less than I expected. Though I wonder if I deserve the mercy and grace God has given me in this, I am thankful for it.