The weather is finally starting to change. It is hard to believe it was over 60 degrees on Tuesday. It certainly was not normal for early December, and while the warmth was enjoyable, it was a little disturbing to think that the natural order was so out of step with what should be happening at this time of year. Less than 24 hours later, however, the temperature dropped below freezing and snow covered the ground. It felt good to leave the summer-like temperatures for the weather appropriate to the season.
Sometimes, our seasons seem confused. Our life feels out of sync with reality. It may be Advent, but we fee like we are in Lent, Pentecost, or simply Ordinary Time. Times that should be filled with joy may have more than a hint of sadness, while times when we should feel weak and discouraged inspire and strengthen us.
We cannot always direct the timing of our life, nor can we control all of our circumstances. We can, however, take authority over the lens through which we view our situation. Changing the way we see our circumstances ultimately leads to changing them.
More than wishful thinking, choosing the proper perspective on our lives positions us to make better choices and to move in new directions. We break open the narrow vision of the past so that we can perceive new possibilities, and in the process, we begin to see things as they really are, not as they appear to be.
The Scripture encourages us to, “set your mind on the things above where Christ is.” (Colossians 3:2) and to, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) Clearly, how we think, and what we think about, impacts the way that we see our circumstances and shapes the way that we live. When we allow God to give us a divine perspective on our lives, we see more accurately and live more effectively.
Two days ago, as I walked to work in my short sleeved shirt, enjoying the warmth of the sun and beauty of the day, it was easy to imagine it was spring, but I knew better. My knowledge did not come from what I could see,. instead, it was my understanding of the seasons that helped me to see what was not directly observable. The right perspective made all the difference.
As we journey into this season of Advent, we may be full of expectation and hope, or we may be discouraged and lost. Whatever our circumstances, the truth is that God loved the whole world, including us, enough to send his Son to bring transformation. As we remember his first coming, we wait with expectation for his ultimate return, and in the process, we look with eyes of wonder for his advent every day.
Today, the light of Christ, the dawn from on high, breaks upon us. This is truly the day the Lord has made, and if we will seek him and his perspective, we can rejoice and be glad in it. Our joy may not come directly from our circumstances, but it will come from the One who is Lord of every circumstance. May his light direct your paths into the destiny he came to bring to you and to the world.
