Perspectives

There’s a majestic oak tree at the forest preserve where I ride my bike. I’ve shared a few pictures for you to see its beauty for yourself.

One of the photos is taken from the northeastern part of the trail. As I traveled south and west and took the second picture, you can see the oak, but it’s harder to admire from that angle.

Perspective is everything. Riding along that eastern section, the view is stunning. The southwest end, not so much.

That’s true with life generally. Some days my outlook leans toward grumpy, especially when I succumb to negative thinking. Like this morning, preparing to go on our vacation, all I could think of was my to-do list, and soon I was grumbling to myself. I stopped and reminded myself, “You’re going on vacation. In a few hours you’ll see beautiful scenery and enjoy a restful get-away.” Soon I found myself humming a hymn we sang on Sunday—”Jesus Paid it All.”

All to Him I owe, says the song. And that means all my best, because Jesus gave His all, the very best there ever was, for me. My heart’s desire is to please Him. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8 to think on what is right, noble, true, pure, lovely, and admirable. Turning our attention to our God and pleasing Him will bring about that change of perspective we need when negativity tries to steal our joy.

Keep Soaring!

Photo by Jesu00fas Esteban San Josu00e9 on Pexels.com

Finally, it’s outdoor bike-riding season! How I’ve longed for the temperature to rise above 50 degrees so I could hit the trail. We’re blessed to have an exercise room in our building, but getting my heart rate up on the stationary bike just isn’t the same as putting on my helmet and heading to the county forest preserve.

As I cruised along one morning, birds of every sort flew and sang around me. In one section, I noticed many kinds of tiny, colorful finches, and in another I heard the bossy chirps of Red-winged Blackbirds.

Way up above to my north, I spotted a Turkey Vulture in flight, but not without interference. A series of smaller birds harassed it, nearly flying right into it. That’s not an unusual occurrence for large scavenger birds. As these small pests tried to peck at the vulture, it flapped its huge wings and soared away, leaving the nuisances behind.

I smiled ruefully at the vulture’s plight as I considered some hinderances in my life. The enemy of my soul tries to keep me from my calling with put-downs and obstacles. One example is when I sat down to write this blog post, I noticed my to-do list and reached into my greeting card pile to send a birthday card to a nephew. Then a phone call on the same list had me dialing and waiting on hold to take care of a medical matter for my dog. Wait—isn’t today supposed to be my writing day?

I disconnected the on-hold phone call and turned my attention back to my computer screen, asking the Lord to let my words encourage someone. The truth is I am a child of the King of the universe because of Jesus Christ, and I have power to rise above the distractions that come at me from every direction. If you are Christ’s, keep soaring above the fake threats of our enemy who wants to steal, kill, and destroy us.

Family—A Wonderful Plan

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

I have three kids. Two of them are my own. I love my stepdaughter, and I count her, too. They’re precious. Now, there have been days when thankfulness for them hasn’t flown automatically from my heart to God’s or to the kids. Can you relate?

Right now, Ray is impatient for his seasonal job at a nursery to begin. He calls me every morning, usually interrupting as I say hello: “I’ve missed three days this week!” I remind him of his start date, then I change the subject, or at least I try. That’s the way it is with my son, who has special needs. Sometimes no amount of convincing works. I am thankful that this will be Ray’s ninth year working part-time at the nursery. A real job in the community isn’t easy to come by for people like Ray. The rest of the year he puts together parts for garbage disposals at a sheltered workshop. He likes that too.

Kellyn is a pistol, always has been. I love her just the way the Lord created her. She’s employed in logistics, a perfect fit. She and Robert have a son who is 21 (already?) and a daughter in high school. Grans are great!

Aimee gave Steve and me two grans—a grandson who is learning new skills in a program for high school graduates, and a granddaughter who is in high school. We’re proud of them and appreciate their folks’ loving care and hard work providing for them.

We love our kids and their families and count our blessings ton by ton. Our hearts and photo albums overflow with cherished memories.

If you’re not a mom, I hope you connect with nieces and nephews or neighbor kids. There are likely kids to fill your cup at your church. Children’s church gives me chances to spend time with kids, teaching them that Jesus loves them.

Maybe church isn’t your thing. Foster kids are aching for parents, and boys’ and girls’ clubs always need volunteers.  I could go on about vacation Bible school as well as soccer and baseball teams. Anyone can be like a mom to someone.

Thank You, Lord for my mom. She cared for my seven siblings and me better than most moms care for one or two children. I miss Mom and wish I could spend the day with her this Sunday. Instead, I’ll take time to look at photo albums and reminisce for a while. I’m happy to be part of a loving family.

What a wonderful Creator God is! Families were His idea, and I’m grateful for mine. Enjoy your Mother’s Day however and with whomever you spend it.