Perspective

My phone rings.  I know before answering that it's my parents.  I figure they're calling to say that they are on their way to pick up the three oldest to spend the weekend with them at the cabin.  Usually my mom makes the calls, so that's who I'm expecting.

(answering phone) "Hello?"

"Hey there.  How are you?"

It's dad.  I pause, thinking how to answer.  It's been a rough morning.  How do I answer?

"Frustrated."

Yep.  It's been that kind of a morning.  That one word sums it up nicely. 

My blog title says "Gotta' Love My Life".  And I do.  Most days.  Today, I think someone else's life might be better.

But whose?  The friend, reeling yet again upon learning, despite exhausting all possible medical avenues, that she is not pregnant?  The friend who has discovered, quite unexpectedly and in the course of dealing with some other life-altering physical issues, that she is pregnant? The homeless couple who sits daily next to a well traveled route hoping motorists will take pity and help them out?  Maybe the niece who is sick, miserable, struggling through the last few weeks of pregnancy and hoping baby is big enough to be healthy, all while living with the reality that there is no income in her home?  How about the neighbor whose life has been turned upside-down by a nasty divorce?  Or maybe one of the many disadvantaged children born with DS or other serious medical conditions and facing a life chained to a crib in an institution?

Perspective.

Maybe - no, not maybe - my life isn't so bad.  I won't bore you with the details of my pity-party, but suffice to say, not one thing that happened this morning was too horrible.  God has a plan for me.  His word proclaims it.  I have - we ALL have - a future and a hope!

Leaning on that promise today.  Praying for contentment in my circumstances.  Trusting that, through Him, I will have ALL I need.

Perhaps you, too, are struggling today.  Maybe all you need is a little perspective.

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update:  I wrote this post this morning.  After a wonderful phone call with a friend, I was feeling encouraged!  I almost felt I didn't need to post.  And then, I was blindsided with some news that left me reeling.  While I can't share details, I will ask for prayer... and when I can, I'll share more.  Struggling with why, but still trusting...