Seeing the Big Picture

Sometimes, its truly difficult to see the big picture when you are too close to it.  You just see what is right in front of your face.  Whether it is something that is good for you in the present moment or something that is heartbreaking for you... whatever it is that is right there, you see.

Rarely do we take the time to step back and see the entire situation for what it truly is... a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of life.  Sometimes, well all the time, it's important to take a step back and try to see the bigger picture.

When something good happens to you, take a step back.  Thank God for giving you the opportunity to enjoy the moment.  And then try to see it in a bigger way... Is this something that God is calling you to right now or is this just fulfilling some frivolous external need?  Is this going to be healthy and sustainable for you? Is this what you are being blessed with while still seeking Heaven in the long term?  If it is leading you to God, then YES! Victory! Now, if it is fulfilling a temporary, frivolous, or an external need maybe its time to reevaluate the situation and refocus your life back to God's will.

If something terrible or heartbreaking happens, take a step back.  Thank God for the opportunity to learn and grow from the situation.  And then try to see it in a bigger way... Is this a struggle that God is leading you to so that you can learn to trust in Him?  Is this something that can help you to realize you have drifted away from the most important things in life?  Is this something to guide you back to Him? If you see it as God's will for you to learn to trust in Him deeper, YES! Unite your suffering to His and learn to love Him in a new way! Now, if it is something self-inflicted, some choice that brought you away from God, take this time to repent and realign your will to His will for you.

Either way, His will is truly what should bring you joy. Whether His will currently makes you happy or suffer, His will for your life is by far the most important thing we could be seeking.  By looking at things in the bigger picture, we are able to live a more joyful life knowing that in every moment we are accompanied by a loving God who is guiding us.

So today, no matter what happened... take a step back.  Look at the day with eyes desiring to do the Will of God.  Doing the will of the one that sent me will be what brings me joy all of my days!