Perspective

Scroll down slowly as there are some photos that may
disturb you on this one...

I'll never forget a sermon series that Malcolm did a few years back. It was on Jonah and the main thing that I took away from it was to get perspective in my circumstances, particularly when things are getting me down, you know - are you really in the belly of a whale or are you just thinking that it's that bad?!!

Well, I'm fine - a little worn out, but fine.

I'm feeling like I'm crawling towards the end of the year instead of running this race, but I'm fine.

I'm wishing I had a few of the finer things in life occasionally, but I really want for nothing... I'm fine.

I'm feeling a little sorry for myself at times, but... I'm fine.

Today, I received some rather disturbing photos that have certainly given me 'perspective' once again.

These are hard to look at but my thoughts in sharing them are so that perhaps what God has used to challenge me today, He may also use to speak to you in some way.

For me, these photos give me a lot more perspective on my circumstances. I am way more than just fine - I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, running water never more than a quick jog away and food in my stomach. Everything within me now screams: "Get a grip!" ...my occasional need to wallow has definitely had some perspective added to it.

These photos make me give a little more thought and prayer to those whose circumstances in life are completely and utterly beyond anything I could ever care to imagine... and I'm encouraged to get back up and get into this race again - a lot more thankful than before and with a renewed zeal. These problems may seem a world away but there are so many little things I can do - least of all, pray.

These may break your heart as they did mine - photos of children always do - but if it makes you do nothing more than pray for people in these circumstances, then that's something... it's all quite sobering but I hope that at the same time, it gives you a little more perspective as you go through the rest of your week and that you're even more thankful than usual...

... for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Matt 19:14