It’s funny how sometimes we can become so consumed with our own lives that we lose sight of the bigger picture. Sometimes, it takes us witnessing someone else’s troubles for us to understand that maybe we don’t have it so bad after all. At church on Sunday, I was speaking with a friend. As always, she asked me how I was doing. During the updated summarization of my life, I overheard two other women talking nearby. I quickly became aware that one of the woman’s words were very similar to my own. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am inquisitive to the point of being down right nosey. What can I say…it’s a family trait 😉 So, I shifted my full attention to this parallel conversation. I quickly learned that while the words I had been using to describe myself were akin to hers, our current struggles were vastly different. While we are both currently in pain and are straining from loss; it is a completely different sort of bereavement. Her son was gone; he had died. She was living every parent’s worst nightmare.  This was a pain that I cannot relate to and pray I will never have to experience.

 

So, over the past few days, I have really tried to put my so-called burdens into proper perspective. I am trying to shift my perspective from one of pessimism and self-pity to one of optimism and thankfulness. Every time my mind begins to focus on my self-perceived misfortunes I force myself to think of how it could be worse, and why I should be content and satisfied with my life.

 

Here’s what I have so far.

 

My husband left me, but my son still has a father. For many different reasons, some kids only get to know one of their parents. My husband may not be around as much as he used to be, but he is and will always be part of my son’s life. For this, our child is lucky.

 

I do not have the ‘tap-out’ option that comes with having a partner, but I have my family. Every parent’s patience can wear thin. I miss being able to say, “Your turn” when I need to refill my patience supply. But, not every single mother has a family as supportive and helpful as mine. For my family, I am grateful.

 

My car isn’t new, but it is not broken down on the side of the road. I am not really a car person, but who doesn’t want some of those bells and whistles that a lot of the newer cars come with. Cars can now park themselves! Seriously! We are not far from the Jetsons age now! My car may not be brand new or have all the latest features, but I can drive anywhere I need to go. Isn’t that all that really matters? Beep, beep. I’ve got the keys to my Jeep.

 

My house is small, but I have a home. I have a job that I love and that provides enough income that I can afford to live in a house with my son. Besides, a house doesn’t make a home; the people you share it with do. I may be a little partial, but I live with the most awesome person I know. I am blessed to have a secure and cozy home to share with my child.

 

I don’t get to sleep in, but I have my son every morning. Have I ever mentioned that I like to sleep? I may not get as much sleep anymore, but I now get morning cuddles every day.   He is such a wiggly little toddler now and he barely sits still. Therefore, I will cling to and treasure these small doses of snuggles while I can get them. They are the best part of my day and worth much more than an extra hour or two of sleep. I am delighted to have these special daily moments.

 

I don’t have the time to cook fancy meals, but there is always food on my table. I used to love to make big family meals and try new recipes.  While I no longer have the time or the finances to do that, I do not have to worry about whether my son and I can afford to eat, like so many in this world do. I am fortunate to be able to feed my family.

 

I can’t afford to give my son everything he wants, but I can afford to give him everything he needs. I am a member on a few different buy/sell/trade sites, and I can’t tell you how many times I have seen parents on these pages asking for help with things like diapers, formula, and wipes. Like food, I am fortunate enough to have been able to always provide these items for my son. I may not be able to buy him the biggest or the best toys, but he has always had everything he needs.  Besides, my dad always said, “It’s good to want. It builds character.” I am happy that I can give my son everything he needs.

 

I am tired, but I am healthy. There have been mornings over the recent months when my exhaustion has made it difficult to get out of bed. I get up early and get myself and my child ready for the day. I drive him to where he’s going, and then drive myself to work. Then, after a full day of working, I go home, play, eat, bathe the little guy, and pick up the house. Before I can take the time to rest, I make lunch and get everything ready for the next day of school and work. Less than eight hours later the alarm tells me it’s time to get up and do it all over again. While I may not want to get out of bed some mornings; the encouraging fact is that I can get out of bed.  Whether it be because of a physical, psychological or emotional ailment, many people can’t simply ‘rise and shine’ each morning. So, yes, I’m tired, but that’s what coffee is for.  I am indebted to caffeine and thankful for my health.

 

I don’t have everything figured out, but God is in control. I can’t imagine dealing with everything I have had to go through without my faith in God. His blessings have been and will continue to be my saving grace. I have a solace that many people do not. I am blessed, grateful, thankful, happy, lucky, and forever appreciative for His everlasting love and sovereignty.

 

I hope that this encourages you to try to see the positive side of things as well. If you are continually focused on the negative aspects of your life, then maybe you need to work on shifting your perspective. Nobody likes to hear it, but it can always be worse. So, if the grass seems greener in someone else’s yard, I recommend you use all that water you are lucky enough to have access to and water your own lawn.

 

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 – Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.