We often look out our windows in wonder of what life would be like elsewhere. We look next door at all the happenings and wonder, "What would it be like?" We look outside our window and wish for something else. We get caught up in all the chores, the complaining, and struggles and just wonder, "If I were somewhere else, what would it be like?"
We can get into a disagreement and rush out the door into our car, taking off down the road, in hopes of getting miles away from the hurt. We look at all the days brings and some times it's just too much to bear, so we dream of elsewhere.
We see the cracks in the ceiling and the dust on the Bible and wonder why things are the way they are today in our life. We ask ourselves, "What if I would have done something else? What if I would have made different choices?" It's like we forget to see the sun shining through the clouds. All we seem to see anymore is the rain pouring down. Not even an umbrella could keep us dry. No shovel could dig as deep to get us out of our pit.
We tend to think things are so bad, until we finally look out the window. Can you see them? The neighbor fighting for their life as they battle cancer? The couple married for twenty-five years, now divorcing over an affair that just seemed to happen? The young boy who gets into his car every evening with a beer trying to drown out all his pain he no longer wants to carry? The teenager afraid to go to school because the bullying is so terrible. They are now overtaken with the thoughts of others to ease the pain. Should they or shouldn't they? The mother without sleep, who doesn't even remember the last day she slept, who stays near her sick child with an illness no one can understand.
Do you see them all? Right out your window are people hurting with hurts that fill this world with pain. Families hungry that have lost their jobs and haven't found hopes of finding a job. The addictions, the abuse, the tears that hide during the day, but fall at night when no one is looking. Can you see them?
My friends, pain is pain. We all feel it. We all know it very well. But dear one, count your blessings. There is always one who is in dire straights worse than what we can imagine. Our worst day is their best day! Give that some thought.
I think our windows need a little cleaning and we need to get a new view. There are days I drive to town, my radio up loud and my hand lifted in praise. I pull into my drive way and just sit there, with the music playing and tears streaming down my cheeks in praise to my Savior.
I was one of those girls looking out the window once. Now, I am that girl who cannot get enough of what's inside my windows. Sure, life isn't perfect. Trouble knocks at our door. Struggles come in all different shapes and sizes, but I realize the blessings before my eyes and refuse to take for granted all that God has blessed me with today.
My home is filled with warmth, laughter and most of all, the love of Christ. Home is my safe place. It's the place filled with memories of children growing up. It's the place where God has grown me into the woman I am today. How can I not be in praise of Him?
We seem to look for those big things in life. Those shockers that knock us off our feet. We wait for the miracle to happen before we give praise. But in reality, it's those small gifts that mean the most. When we fill our home with Christ, there is nothing that can remove the love in our home. He has the power to fill each room with gifts of glory. A sleeping child. A giggle. The quiet of the night. Can you see them? No matter what your circumstances are, His blessings are alive and well in our home. Just step outside for a bit and look in. Stay there for a while and soak it all in. You will see all that you have been missing. Don't get overly excited about all that's outside. Remember to look in and praise God for all you do have!
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!"
Philippians 4:4
"Be thankful in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
"Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
Philippianss 4:6-7
