Archive for category Stress

Limited Perspective Can Cost You…..(part 1) Rail Road Crossing

I was talking with my wife yesterday about how we sometimes give up to soon.  We start something and because we don’t see an ending in site we turn around before we get to our destination.  Many things may turn us around.  It may be lack of finances, lack of outside support, not enough time, etc.  But as I was sharing a thought came to mind about perspective. 

I believe when we begin something we have a limited perspective.  Perhaps because we’re to close to the project, or whatever we may be working on.  I thought about how many times you and I may be on a road and a train begins to come and block our way. 

Limited Perspective

A limited perspective.

Sometimes we grow impatient and anxious about getting on the other side.  I’ve seen time and time again people in my rear view mirror looking upset then making a jerking u-turn in their frustration to go another way.  A way where these impediments won’t be in their way, or so they think.  Because their limited perspective they didn’t see any end in sight.  Even though the caboose was nearing, because they couldn’t see it, they gave up, they grew hopeless through their anxiousness and turn to go another way.  Only if they knew what others knew.

Some had been at the stop before them, and others were much closer to the crossing than those that came a little later.  What those people knew by being a little closer and being there first, is that it wouldn’t be that much longer till the train that was impeding their way would be gone, and they could get on to their destinations.

This is how I believe we act sometimes when pursuing our goals.  Because of our perspective we grow anxious and wonder why we can’t move forward.  We get so irritated with the road block of our final destination that we throw up our hands in desperation and say, “Forget it, I quit!  I am going back home.”  The only thing is that is keeping up from staying on task, and persevering is our limited perspective. 

Limited Perspective

The quitter's turnaround.

When we are at a train crossing in our lives we have to learn to be patient.  Yes I know from where you’re sitting, the end is no where in sight, but I serve a God that has a different perspective.  He sits high and as the old folk used to say, “He looks low.”  Because of his perspective he saw the train coming, and he sees its ending.  He knows how much longer you have to wait.  He knows you’re frustrated, but  He, God, wants you to endure.  He wants you to be steadfast.  I know the road block may seem to be hindering your time frame, but he is in charge of time.  He works everything out in his perfect timing.  The question is will you wait?  Will you endure?  Will you have faith in God?

Because of your limited perspective, and impatience you could end up costing not only your goals from being accomplished, but others that see your actions.

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Labour not to be rich….This is so counter-cultural.

My this is totally contrary to what the rest of the world teaches.  Proverbs 23:4 says, “Labour not to be rich:…” , but everything I have been instructed from traditional education to everyday worldly knowledge says the complete opposite, or it is implied that we must work our hardest to become rich.   This will give you all the opportunities to have what rich people have.  Big houses, big cars, fancy vacations, etc.

I like the way the English Standard Version (ESV) reads,“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist [abstain].”

The word toil, makes it plain for me, because it means to strive, and it gives me a sense of a frustrating work that is done.  Now I don’t believe that what this passage is teaching is not to work hard, or that all work should be peaceful, but I think the later part of the phrase is where we are to bring caution.  The motive of our labour, work, or toiling is not to be an end goal of wealth, but we are to work with a larger purpose.  Now don’t be shocked when working in your purpose brings you wealth, but on the other hand don’t be upset if it doesn’t afford you the opportunity to have the latest car and biggest house in your family.  What God has for you…………..

Is for you.

Be wise.

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