The Perspective of Seeing Life through a Lens of Faith and Grace

​ THE PERSPECTIVE OF SEEING LIFE

How we view ourselves and the way our life maps out is determined by what perspective we take. Our outlook on life and the mindset we have matters more than we often realize.

Our perspective can easily become skewed when we live with chronic illness. For instance, I have days when my illness is more manifest and limiting, which tends to cast a dark cloud over everything else.

Because our identity can be so wrapped up in our myriad symptoms and pain, we may lose sight of joy, of hope. We lose sight of who we really are in Christ, and what God created us to be: namely, internally blessed and free. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—
his good, pleasing and perfect will.(Romans 12:2)

PERSPECTIVES

there’s fast falling rain
confetti of autumn leaves
wedded to concrete
they’re drifting purposelessly
a metronome of my days

this chair chains me
holding my limbs in limbo
as the hours flow
drifting like sand, tumbleweed
wasted on rest and pacing

 once birds sweetly trilled
singing an evening song
with hope in their breasts
maybe I can learn to love
stillness—believe it’s enough 

although life moves on
incapacity lingers
acceptance will come
if we sense the beauty here
in this place of pain and hurt

God’s hidden treasure
gleams brighter still in darkness
it sparkles like hope
small rays still pervade our lives
we are sustained—we will survive

if we can believe
we are held and comforted
it will help us rest
trust in what we cannot see
open up our hearts to peace

perspectives can change
if we ask Holy Spirit
to alter our thoughts
direct them toward the light
and fill them with God’s own life

sunshine invites us
tickles a warm smile inside
it lures us to look
view the world with gratitude
focus on what we gain, not lose

our souls soften, sigh
releasing and relaxing
these tightly coiled springs
a grace opening takes place
light and joy are dancing rays
© joylenton

PRAYER:

Dear Father,

Thank you that you see our many struggles and you long to help. Though we might live physically- or emotionally-constrained lives, we don’t have to be limited people on the inside. By our faith in Christ, we are given the means to experience your glorious, life-changing grace and its power to change us from the inside out.

Remind us to seek your Presence and ask for the strength we will need. Equip us with enough energy for our tasks and the wisdom to know what can be done and what will need to wait for a while. Most of all, grant us a renewed mindset and a fresh perspective as we read your Word, absorb and believe its Truth, and put into action what it says.

Amen