Different Perspectives

Most mornings when I wake up my first task is to let the dogs go outside. When I opened the door to our back yard this morning I was hit by the cold air that had moved into the area overnight, and it served as a quick reminder of why I left the north. I don’t like the cold and can’t imagine the day when I’ll ever like it again. So, to me, this is a crummy weather day in Texas and I hear that tomorrow is going to be even colder. Yet, in the midst of my complaining about a cold day and wishing I could just wrap up inside a blanket, eat chili, warm cinnamon rolls, and watch some movies, I’m reminded of a family in our church that is so excited about today.

You see, today, around noon, they are going to the hospital to welcome their new baby into the world. Jason and Melinda are a wonderful young couple who love the Lord and have already been blessed with a wonderful son, Bubba (as they call him…LOL, gotta love the south), and now their family is going to grow by one more child. They aren’t thinking about the cold or the cloudy day, wishing they had a warm blanket and comfort food, instead they are rejoicing at the joy of God’s blessing and looking forward to many years of celebrating the love of a family with the new baby.

Isn’t it funny how life can be at times? What seems to one person to be a day of misery is for another family a day of celebrating the blessings and joys that God brings into our lives. You see, the only difference in the two scenarios is the outlook on that day. I feel like today is going to be a day of misery because I’m cold. Even sitting here typing I find myself wishing I had gloves on because my hands are cold, but those that know me know that my hands are always cold. And less than a mile away sits a family who could care less about the weather or anything else that is happening today because their lives are filled with anticipation of the bundle of love that will be in their arms in just a few hours.

God has never promised us that every day of our lives with Him would be filled with joy, laughter, and easy going. Instead, He has promised that He would always be there with us, during the good and the bad, during the joy and the tears, during the days when we are so cold we wish we could jump on a plane and head to Cancun as well as the days when we celebrate the life He has given us. I want you to know that I’m here when you’re having those bad days and just need someone to pray with you or offer a word of encouragement. At the same time, I’m here to celebrate the blessings of God that come your way. We are a family and families are meant to rejoice together and help each other in the tough times. What are you facing today? Remember that Tami and I pray for your family every week, and even though we are powerless to change things, we serve a God that does not know the word impossible. He can do whatever needs to be done for you today!