Perspective

The whole concept of perspective continues to intrigue me.
We have lived in a 5th wheel camper for the past year now. It has been both freeing and challenging at the same time, depending on my perspective. I often think about the differences between "camping" and "living." If I were simply camping in this trailer, many of my day to day annoyances would not exist. For one thing, we would be traveling and moving around, and so the excitement of the experiences and adventure would override the daily difficulties. Craig would not be working, so there would be no need for freshly pressed shirts, which are an almost impossible notion. We would most likely be going where the weather is warm, so most of our meals would be cooked out on the BBQ, alleviating the frustration of trying to produce dinner in a tiny "kitchen" where counter space is non-existent. Camping is fun! Living in a camper....well, often not so much. Same 5th wheel, different perspective.

Another example that comes to mind is staying in a hotel. When I lived in a house my perspective was completely different. While I loved to travel, I rarely fully enjoyed a hotel room and found myself longing to be home in my nice comfortable bed, showering in my nice big shower, and no matter how good it was to get away there was no better feeling than to step through the front door of my home. But oh how my perspective has changed! Now we can't wait to go on a trip, any little jaunt is an excuse to rent a hotel room. Oh yes, to bask in the very largeness, to be free to shower and let the water run while I soap up or shampoo my hair! It is heavenly indeed, and I appreciate every moment from running around the room to rolling on the king sized bed. We are in no rush to return to our tiny little trailer, tiny little shower and water heater, and much smaller than we're used to bed. Same hotel room, different perspective.

Perspective. "The ability to see things in a true relationship." Perspective. How we "see" determines our perspective and how things "seem." God is constantly changing my perspective. As I come into greater relationship, "true relationship" with Him, my perspective changes. My ability to see shifts.

Interesting note: I am a contact lens wearer. I have worn glasses since the second grade. I can hardly see past my own nose. One thing I have noticed over the years, is that if I have my contacts out and my vision is blurry, it seems to also affect my ability to hear. Whether it is because part of hearing is reading lips, which requires sight, I do not know. But I do know that I can't hear as well when I can't see.
Pertaining to God again, He desires for us to see from His perspective, and when we do it is much easier to hear His voice.

Revelation 3:18 instructs the lukewarm church to  "......anoint your eyes with eyesalve that you may see" referring here to seeing from a Kingdom perspective. They thought they were fine, rich in fact. When the reality is they were spiritually poor and barren. One commentator shares that the Greek word for eyesalve used here is "kollourion" and this eyesalve came in little lumps shaped like loaves of bread. In other words, look upon the Word and see from God's perspective. Allow God to give you sight. Rub the bread of life into your eyes, change your vision, get a godly perspective!
 
Proverbs 29:18 says "Where there is no vision, the people perish." The word for "vision" there is "sight", so it is saying without proper sight, we will die. Many of us read this Scripture, and think that without a vision of the future the people perish. But I would say that if we are not seeing with God's perspective in every daily circumstance, we could allow the circumstance to overwhelm us! Remember, discouragement is the enemy of faith. Our current "reality" needs to be seen through anointed eyes, needs to be looked at from a heavenly perspective. Proper perspective adjusts our vision and guards our faith!

Are there days when I grow weary of living in this 5th wheel? Yes! But when I turn to Him, when I anoint my eyes with the eyesalve of His Word, and allow God to adjust my sight, He gives me a new perspective. I find that I am once again thankful....for this adventure He has us on. I am thankful that we are not tied down with a house payment. I am thankful that my husband is free to explore new job possibilities. I am thankful for a dry place to sleep at night, and especially for all of the amazing experiences we have had in this past year. I am thankful for the life He has given me. Same 5th wheel, new perspective.

I once was blind, but now I see! Perspective.....Vision.....Sight. Stay tuned....more to come.......