"Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Getaway with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Jesus says he is willing to teach anyone willing to listen, line by line, how to have His perspective. His mind, the mind of Christ. He always was praising God and lived with gratitude. As we follow Him, He will teach us the way to stand firm in His truth when times are hard.
I came across this thought on a Facebook feed, and I thought some of you might relate to a few of these world events.
Imagine you were born in 1900.
On your 14th birthday, World War I starts and ends on your 18th birthday. 22 million people perish in that war.
Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people on earth die from it in those two years.
On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33.
The country nearly collapses along with the world economy.
When you turn 39, World War II starts. You aren't even over the hill yet. And don't try to catch your breath. On your 41st birthday, the United States is fully pulled into WWII. Between your 39th and 45th birthday, 75 million people perish in the war.
At 50, the Korean War starts. 5 million perish.
At 55 the Vietnam War begins and doesn't end for 20 years. 4 million people perish in that conflict.
On your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, should have ended. Great leaders prevented that from happening.
When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends.
Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How do you survive all of that?
Perspective is an amazing art, refined as time goes on, and enlightening like you wouldn't believe. Let's try and keep things in perspective." ~~Author Unknown~~
I pray this week you will focus on Jesus' words and be willing to listen as he teaches line by line how to live with the right perspective and have a grateful heart. Yes, this is a tough season, but our attitude and being grateful will go a long way in helping us to live well even when it is hard.
Blessings, Robin
Photo: From Public Domain
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