A few years ago I adopted a philosophy from my sister Val. To not just celebrate my birth day, but to celebrate my birth month. Each year when my birthday came around, I would spend the entire month doing whatever made me happy. Eating out at my favorite restaurants, shopping, or going to the spa, are a few of the things I might do. However, this birthday, or birth month, has been different.
This year I’ve been so focused on hearing from the Lord and gaining direction and instruction, that I decided to do a 21-day fast, and it began on March 1st. Instead of indulging in the things I enjoy, I’ve been striving to press in closer to God. I’m glad I decided to do this, because there have been many opportunities to pray for others instead of focusing on myself.
On March 24th, my birthday, I woke up to dark dreary skies and the threat of a storm. Those who know me best are aware of how much I dislike dreary days because I struggle to stay upbeat and positive, and not allow the lack of sunshine to drag me down. I had over slept and was late for my exercise appointment. Not to mention that I missed my early morning prayer time, which is an absolute no no. But the reason for all of this was a lack of a sleep. My husband had come home the night before not feeling too well, and I had been up several times during the night to check on him. This was not the birthday I had imagined.
Feeling disappointed, I rushed down the road to try and salvage the remainder of the time I had with my trainer. When it seemed that my day was taking a course of its own, I chose to offer up praise to the Lord. God had granted me another year of life, and I was thankful.
After returning home and making breakfast, I was able to finally settled down and spend time with the Lord. As I looked out of the window at the pouring rain, I had a sudden shift in perspective. I began to think about the necessity of rain. Without it, there is no growth or harvest in the land. I decided to view my rainy birthday as a sign of God’s abundant blessings coming into my life. With a new attitude, things began to look up. To my utter surprise, within an hour the sun began to shine bright. I felt like God was smiling at me, as He gave me the desire of my heart.
My birthday has come and gone, and nothing went as I expected. I didn’t get to go away for the weekend like my husband and I had talked about. I didn’t get to have Sunday brunch with my children. And my husband is still recovering from the flu. But this hasn’t stopped me from praising the Lord.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
God continues to remind me three important things, and I want to share them with you in hopes that they will help you in the season you’re in. Even when we have to endure test and storms, or if things don’t go according to our plans, if we are in Christ, we always win.
Three important things we must do:
First, we must have the right perspective (God’s perspective) of every situation we’re in.
Secondly, we must keep an attitude of gratitude, and choose to be thankful no matter what.
Thirdly, we must be content in knowing that we are living our best life when we’re simply loving and serving others.
God loves us so much. He’s always for us, not against us. He’s a good good Father. When I look at my life, I realize, I’m blessed beyond measure, and I have a whole lot to be thankful for.
What about about you?
Do you need a shift in perspective?
What are you thankful for?
Love & Blessings,
Kathy