Perspective: Looking Through a Different Set of Binoculars.

Have you ever tried looking through two rolls of toilet paper and pretend they were binoculars? :)

I am overwhelmed with emotion as I write this.

The sense of a thrilling combination of peace, love, and joy rooted in the blessings from the Lord fills me to my most inner being.

Life is now viewed from a different lens. Everything. Literally, everything. From choosing to intentionally wait in line at the grocery store to have an excitement of a potential connection with the cashier checker; or try to connect with a woman you walk passed through a simple smile; or heck, maybe even park in the back of the lot not fighting for the closest open spot because somewhere in the world, life is different. Think about it. Somewhere, there is one person who has walked many miles to receive the one portion of food they will have for the day. You, on the other hand (between your nine-to-five and hot Valentines date tonight) you just pop in to the store to get a quick box of her favorite candy and maybe her favorite bouquet of flowers--the flowers are my weakness by the way if anyone is wanting to know! ;)                Well now this presents an issue. A heart issue, for me anyway. Alright, here it goes: I believe God has deliberately put me here where I am in this moment. He chose the time, the country, the decade.. everything. He gave me life in Colorado (which, I may add, is something to be quite proud of due to the fact of the level of that state’s exceeding amount of awesomeness). He chose to make me into the being that I am. He created me. Why? Well that’s an entirely different question I think about every day that I breathe. But I have seen different lifestyles, if you will. I have been wonderfully blessed enough to experience life through different lenses. Being in the shoes of the woman, not just figuratively speaking now, who actually does have to make that long, hot, grueling walk to the market on the other side of the village, of the city! Oh boy, oh boy. Let me tell you! (Talkin’ like I live in the south or somethin crazy like that) It changes you. You begin to think differently.

            This is how I have learned to live life in Africa and the Navajo Reservation regardless of where I may find myself geographically. Life is different where ever you find yourself, I believe. Life is lived differently on the East Coast than the West Coast, or if you are South African I should say the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. ;) Plain and simple! Matter of fact if ya ask me. However, I have begun learning the common denominators now having experienced so many different cultures and lifestyles and people in such a short amount of time. Man oh man does this change my perspective. I love it, but I am also overwhelmed by the incredible amount of positive response these actions and this mindset are having on my life.

You could choose from a few different options. You could have picked up three or four small items at Walmart. You know what American society has taught us? Efficiency, quickness, convenience. None of this things are bad things, proportionally of course. Does our country seem to be one of proportionality? I personally think not. Lets not get into politics..this is my blog, my thoughts. I would just like to clarify that is my purpose of writing these crazy thoughts for people to see. (That is what these are, my thoughts. For me to process, for you to enjoy, and to watch what happens as a result. I do respect anyone’s differing opinion and do not wish to force my own opinion and experience on anyone.) We are a society and culture that focus on ‘me,’ ‘I,’ ‘great,’ and ‘fast.’ C’mon people. Lets not live that way. We miss out on so much if that’s how we experience our lives! Im sayin.

Instead of instinctively choosing to go to the self check-out, intentionally choose to wait in the long line so you could maybe connect in someway with the cashier working. The cashier that has three young children at home, they are working two jobs and trying to provide for a family. Or maybe a young woman who is the only girl in her mechanics class. She has been doing so well in school, they are giving her two days off of class! Wow! The guys in her class give her a hard time sayin she is cheating. Its not true, but man does it make this woman happy to be telling someone all this! To be telling that one person that deliberately chose to wait in that woman’s line, rather than be efficient and quick by using the self-check out.

I speak from experience when I say practice patience. Don’t always take the easiest route. Take yourself out of your comfort zone. Step out in faith. That is when God shows off.

In summary, I have begun a journey of learning what it means to #liveyourmission.

Now think about that. What does that mean? Oh let me tell you. Firstly, it’s a ‘slogan,’ a saying if you will, that represents the mentality behind a ministry that is near and dear to my heart: Experience Mission. (experiencemission.org) Because God crossed my path with theirs, my eyes have been opened to see life like Christ and now I am madly in love with Jesus. Secondly, to me it means something wonderful. No matter who you are, you don’t have to travel to Central Asia or Africa or Mexico for a mission trip. Neither do I. There are opportunities around you every single day. Open your eyes. You’ll begin to see. Look around for a place to volunteer. Disability center? Learning center? Old age home? Soup kitchen? Goodwill? School? Sports team? Church? If you don’t want to go that route, try speaking with and engaging with the old security guard at the bank, or the lady at the gym, or the little kid in line in front of you. You don’t think that makes a difference in their day? Or how about it yours? Believe it or not, (#ripleys) it has the potential to have massive impact. Nike. Just do it. It has truly been life changing. Choosing to be intentional about the small things in life make everything in life better and louder and more colorful. Live a ‘mission trip’ where God is calling you now. Reach out to those he has directly, lovingly, and mindfully placed around you. If he blesses you with the ability to travel to do such a lovely thing.. GO FOR IT. But until then, don’t just let your ‘love switch’ be in the off position. Turn that thing on, and love a little on everyone around you.

Should I dare go as far as to challenge you with this for your next 7 days? Eh, why not? Try it, and I would love to hear any stories that you experience by taking this on.

Cheers.

More thoughts to come soon.