It's Not What You See, It's How You See It. 1/12/2016

Good Morning,

It's a great day to be alive and drinking some Door County Raspberry Crunch Coffee. This day holds a lot of work ahead and then is capped off with Men's Bible Study tonight.

When I look at this picture I see the quiet of winter with trees blanketed in white. I see serenity at it's best. When others look at it they might see vegetation stalled within the hard cold grasp of winter. I see beauty, they see less than that, and would never have this picture hanging in their home. When I see quiet, others see the screaming wind of a blizzard. There are two, maybe more than two ways to look at this picture.

If both sides were to look at it the same way we would both be able to see that the snow is God's way of replenishing the streams with fresh water. Both sides should admit that the waterway is the source of life for animals, fish, birds, and plant life. If we look at this with unselfish eyes and hearts we can be content until our favorite part of this scene reappears and then not whine, it's too cold, or it's too hot now. This attitude is the act of putting others first. This attitude is actually "having the mind of Christ". Jesus showed us the ultimate in putting others first by dying on the cross for our sins. When we put others first we are imitating the life of Jesus. Putting others first let's them know that you love unconditionally. This is a great act of sacrifice and exemplifies what Christ desires in us.

1 Peter 3:8New International Version (NIV)
⁸ Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

 Philippians 2:2New International Version (NIV)

²    Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

 

Try this at home or work with family and friends. Put them first when asking, questions like, what should we do? Instead say what would you like to do? You might not like what they want to do. But just do it without keeping an account. The act of sacrifice without complaining just might become contagious and make for a home or work place that is happier.

 

Have a great day!

 

Marty