As the sun rises on the window in my front living room (it faces east), I notice a bunch of handprints on the window.  I didn't put them there.  I'm sure my wife didn't put them there.  Oh yeah, the grandkids were here.....

I remember being a parent of young children, hollering at them when they got handprints on the windows, especially after I had just cleaned them.

Now, I smile.  I like handprints on the windows.  I remembered the fun the grands had looking out the window... playing on the couch...  It brought me joy.

What changed?  My perspective.

As I've grown older, I've learned more about what's worth getting upset about, and what's not.  What was challenging at one time, is no longer.

I suppose, in a way, that's how my relationship with God has been.  What bothered me in the past, I have learned to trust God more and see some joy.  The challenge might still be present, but how I see it, and my perspective on it has changed.   I have discovered that God really is with me, even in the challenges (and the messy parts of life).  I guess I've seen God's handprints all over me, and sometimes that bothered me.  Now I rejoice in it.

I can clean the windows, but I think I'll leave the handprints for a few more days...  it's a good reminder of how my perspective can change and more joy can come to my life.

 

Peace in our journeys,

Pastor Steve Melde