A Small Shift in Perspective

Sometimes all it takes is a small shift in perspective to totally see the world with new eyes.

For instance, not long ago I woke to find myself buried under the arms, legs and tail of my husband and coon dog (that's them in the photo). I snapped off the alarm gruffly and started pushing at the two sound asleep bodies hogging up my share of the bed. Suddenly, I stopped. I did not want to begin my day that way. Instead, I shifted my perspective and praised God for the bed I was sleeping in, the roof over my head, the boundless love of my husband, and the unconditional love of my dog. They were snuggling me – not hogging the bed. I hit the snooze button and burrowed down into the covers again, this time smiling.

A few weeks later I was on a women's church retreat at a cozy cabin at Lake Junaluska, here in beautiful Western North Carolina. The accommodations fit our group nicely – except for the water pressure. I soon found that taking a morning shower was nearly impossible. The lukewarm water barely trickled out of the showerhead. Grumbling, I fumbled with the knobs, trying to get more water to come out so I could at least freshen up before heading downstairs for breakfast. Suddenly, I stopped. I shifted my perspective. I began to thank God for the weekend retreat which was uplifting my spirit, for the wonderful women I was sharing the retreat with, and finally even for the lukewarm trickle of water. So many women around the world have no clean water to drink – let alone to bathe in. How lucky I am. And to realize it, and to give thanks for it, took only a small shift in perspective.