One of Colby and I's favorite things to do when we travel is to go hiking. It doesn't matter where we are in the world, to get the best views of any city, it often takes a hike up. So many of those views involve a painful and exhausting hike up. Add in rough terrain or extreme heat and some of the hikes can be quite strenuous.
On a recent trip to Montenegro, after our hike, we talked to several other people traveling and we were so surprised to hear how many decided to stay on the ground instead of making the hike up. I couldn't help but think to myself that by making the decision to stay at the bottom, instead of getting the most gorgeous view of the city, all they got to see were buildings. They decided to see a completely different perspective of the city.
Perspective is defined as "a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view." It is just that; the approach, position or outlook you have in regards to something. And you know what the beautiful thing about perspective is? It's all up to you.
Just as it was a decision for Colby and I to go on a strenuous hike to get the best view of the cities, it's the same for you. It's a decision. Everything in life is one big decision. From the minute you wake up in the morning, your day is all about the decisions you make. What you eat for breakfast. What route you take to work and of course the more important ones like the attitude you have, how you respond to those around you or how you choose to view the trials you are currently going through.
I want to encourage you to change your perspective. I wrote about this same topic here, including the stance or the ways I choose to see things, but sometimes all it takes is a few steps forward to gain a better outlook. I was reminded of this a few months ago, on July 4th, when Colby and I went to see fireworks. We walked to an area behind where the crowds were, but when the fireworks started going off, we realized our view was a obstructed. All it took was a few steps forward to get the best view. It was very little effort for a much better reward.
Your life is the same way. Sometimes to go higher places with God, it just takes a few steps forward. You can stay at the bottom and stare at the trial in front of you, or you can move forward with him and gain a better perspective. The steps forward? They include effort and making decisions. Because we are human it's easiest to stay at the bottom and let the obstacles in front of us prevent us from moving forward. But, if you are willing to put some effort into it, just a few steps forward can change everything. Everything! Yes, you have to spend time with him. Yes, you have to spend time in the Word. Yes, you have to spend time in prayer. But instead of only feeling pain, you will start to experience comfort. Instead of being depressed, you will start to experience joy. Instead of only seeing an obstacle, you will start to experience the beauty that is directly above the obstacle.
When you change your perspective, your attitude will change. And when you change your attitude? You can change your life. Don't sit at the bottom of the hill, staring at the mountain in front of you. Instead, take a few steps forward to gain a better perspective. The more effort you put into it, the more steps you will move forward. And the more steps you will move forward, the more clarity you will gain. Soon enough, no longer will you notice the obstacle in front of you at all. Instead, you will see through the eyes of God and just like the view of the city and just like those fireworks, everything in front of you will begin to look different. And I can assure you, the joy that comes when you change your perspective is worth every step forward.
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Friend this is so good! I love the analogies you give to remind me that my attitude is MY choice. Thanks for reminding me that it is ok to struggle when trying to find new perspective. I am really hard on myself some days, and reading this reminded me I need to give myself grace in the journey!