a Peace of perspective...

Last night was the last Bible study lesson for our study of Jonah. I always love finishing up a study and seeing the fruit of what God did in and through the wonderful women that sit in my den week after week. This study was no exception. Through the study of four little chapters and a story about a prophet and a big fish, we learned some invaluable lessons.


If you are not familiar with the book of Jonah in the Bible, it is not just about a man being swallowed by a big fish. Although that part of the story is pretty amazing when you view it from the perspective of truth, the part that truly got my attention is the humanness of Jonah complete with his fears and doubts. He was a prophet for heaven's sake but he still ran from God, justified his actions, pitched an adult-sized tantrum and in the end we aren't even sure if he learned his lesson or not. Now you cannot get much more human than that.


Part of Jonah's problem was that his focus was on himself instead of what was important to God. He was more concerned about his discomfort and his feelings than he was about the big picture. We do that too. Especially during this time of year. The focus tends to be on buying the presents and decorating our house and going to the parties and listening to the music and making sure that everyone is satisfied and fulfilled.


Even though I know what the season is supposed to be about and even though I can write about it and sing about it and even talk about it, doesn't mean that I live it each day. I think this is the time of year that we tend to be inward focused the most. Holidays can hurt. The memories and the emotions can be overwhelming sometimes. But if we only look inward at what we are feeling or experiencing, we miss the Peace that God has for us. When our fist are clenched and our arms are folded and our head is down, we can't receive. But as God offers the Peace we so desperately seek, we have the choice to extend our hands and to open our arms wide and to allow Him to lift our chins to look fully into His face.


Today I choose to change my perspective. To look out into the world around me. To receive the Peace of Jesus and then pass it on. To really listen to those around me. To really hear the needs and then find a way to meet them. To give a hug. To send a card. To write an email. To simply send a text. To put my focus on someone else. To love the hurting world around me. Not because it will make me feel better or because I am supposed to; but because that is what Jesus did.


I have found over the years that when I truly take the focus off of myself and just serve others then God does a miraculous thing. When I just meet the needs around me with no hidden agenda then God fills me with His love. The Peace that I seek is usually felt in my selfless love for others. That is how God works. As we see the world through His eyes then we start to see what really matters. 


May the Peace that you seek be poured out in abundance on you today. As you find a way to love those around you, may the gift of the blessing be yours. Reach out and let the Peace flow in.

It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around 

can warm up in its glowing. That's how it is with God's love, 

once you've experienced it. You spread His love to everyone; 

you want to pass it on. 

I wish for you my friend, this happiness that I've found; 

you can depend on Him, it matter not where you're bound. 

I'll shout it from the mountaintop; I want my world to know; 

the Lord of Love has come to me, 

I want to pass it on.