Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Perspective

So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. (Colossians 3:1-2, The Message)

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5:1-2 (The Message translation)

Sunday I laid down the challenge to start pursuing perspective, to let it trickle down into the detailed parts of my life, to live what I believe. I woke up this morning praying for perspective, praying that God would enable me to be heavenly minded.

The Bible makes it clear that a heavenly minded life will be marked by love. If I love extravagantly, my daily tasks will still get done--just with a better attitude. Managing my home will be a gift to my family and a way of thanking God for these gifts. Serving in these ministry roles outside my home is an opportunity to show God's love to others outside these walls...and to model for my children the importance of giving rather than only getting. The manner in which I handle the kiddos when they are difficult is an opportunity to teach them about the love of God. Getting down on the floor to engage in whatever imaginative game they are in the midst of is an expression of God's care about the little things in our life.

My question today is : How can I do each task before me in a manner which will mark it with love? I pray the Spirit will help me filter all (especially the mundane) through this attitude.

10 comments:

Erin said...

I love this challenge you have presented! If only we could see life throught His eyes instead of our own self-focused ones!!

I love the post below. And, I said a little prayer for you as I read it! Boy, you have alot on your plate!! And, no caffeine, too!! Just remember Starbucks does make great decaf lattes!!

Thanks again for the challenge!

Michelle said...

This is a beautiful, beautiful post. So well written and really speaks to my heart. Thank you for taking the time to write it. You have blessed me today with your words and your challenge.

I had to sign in with my blogger account.My real blog is at www.theeverydaymom.com

SAHMmy Says said...

Just found you--you say everything I've been thinking, just in a more Godly way! Up for the challenge! Thanks.

A Place For Ministry Wives/A Place For Me said...

You are such an encourager without even trying to be one. My blog name might seem new to your eyes, but I've been following your blog for quite some time. Anyone who shoots for heavenly minded with triplets...now that's someone to look up to. Way to aim for the top! :-)

Unknown said...

I'm thankful that I found your blog this week. You write from your heart and bring home the point so well. I love that you're involved with YoungLife, too. I was a volunteer leader years ago and now serve in our middle school ministry at our church. May God continue to give you His perspective and purposes for living each day to the fullest.
-Anna
http://sincerelyanna.wordpress.com

hi my name is mommy said...

Beautiful post, just what I needed:)

Keri said...

Thank you so much for this, Jmom! If I had read this as soon as I woke up today, maye I wouldn't have regrets about the way I handled the day's frustrations.

I will start fresh tomorrow morning with these thoughts in mind!

Unknown said...

I just found you, too. All I have to say right now is, thank you.

Mom of Eleven said...

Jennifer,
letting you know I am now a blogger. I love reading your blog!!! I just had to join the road of technology and get a blog!!
Please know I am praying for you in your weary days ahead. Just think, school starts soon!!
Wendy

Andi said...

If I love extravagantly, my daily tasks will still get done--just with a better attitude.


Awesome. Really Awesome.