Perspective is Key

Frustration, anger, contempt... You name it, and I have had it this week. It is one of those weeks where things seem to go wrong at every turn. Why? Do you ever wonder why if something goes wrong, then it is inevitable that something else will too? For instance, last night I was doing the chore of giving the boys a bath- much to say when you are already having a "less-than" inspiring day, and lo and behold I come down to the kitchen and the dog had gotten the trash out. Hans was at a visit in a hospital. I guess, I learned something last night, there is much to say about trying to keep calm in your anger... something I have not accomplished yet. I basically threw a hissy fit and pouted and screamed like a baby. Will I ever get it? Having to apologize to a 3 and 1 year old is nothing short of humbling, but I hope that maybe one day they will be able to apologize to their kids. I did get a good dose of perspective since my "little" incident (funny how God seems to allow perspective into our "problems"), here it is:

1. Hans visited with a family last night whose father is in ICU and a few years back the mother passed away. The youngest son is in High-school. As Hans was telling me how the visit went, my heart started aching for them.
2. I have been given the privelage of getting to know a college age girl here, and we are going to be doing the study of Beth Moore's "Breaking Free". Through this friendship, I have noticed 2 things- 1) It is of great importance that we as Christians believe what the Bible says...not just know but believe every word because this is how you minister to others and 2) We all need to look at people the way God does- saved or not- they are precious to Him and they should be precious to us especially if we are here for people.
3. God has a tendancy to use broken and imperfect people. I am a perfect example. The church as a whole seems to wait for people to get their act together before they give them any type of credit or responsibility. Thank God that did not happen to us! We were accepted as youth leaders regardless of what our past had been or even what type of bible knowledge we had but for the very reason of our eagerness and willingness to serve. Through that I learned that God is not impressed about what you know but about what you are willing to share after you learn it... many d-team lessons have been taught on the heals of my own learning.
4. Christ has come to set the captives free... so be FREE! I have been resonating with this. Freedom in Christ means inexpressible joy and hope. It is powerful and exciting all at once. See Isaiah 61:1.