Gaining Perspective!

I have a loved one who is suffering from short-term memory loss. Many people around her are terrified about what the future holds. They spend time talking about her memory getting worse and what might happen someday. I can understand this, but it seems they are missing out on the treasured times right in front of them.

When I have been around this person lately, I have seen a joy in her that is new and free. She doesn't worry as much as she once did, due to the fact that she can't remember. Her blood pressure has gone down. She is living more in the moment without being weighed down by the burdens of life. This experience has given me an opportunity to gain new perspective.

There is a particular verse in Matthew chapter six I love to quote. It seems to fit with many conversations! I have never found a person who disagreed with it, no matter what their religion or background! In verse 34, Jesus says; "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Can you relate? Can I get an "AMEN?!!!" I love the compassion of Jesus in telling us this. We can handle the trouble that comes today, but we are not to speculate on the trouble of tomorrow! This will only cause us to feel defeated and depressed! It is better to think the best of today, and not worry about tomorrow!!

Loss of short term memory has this effect on a person. When I watch my loved one, I see her get excited about the quail and bunnies in her back yard. Then a few minutes later, she is over-joyed again. Also, as she was facing surgery, she did not think of it until reminded. Therefore, she was not so stressed and concerned. She was enjoying life daily without the burden of worrying. It was like a form of rose-colored glasses.

I pray I will always choose to trust God with the things of tomorrow and enjoy the things of each day. I know in the day of trouble, He will be with me to navigate through!! So if I am accused of looking on the bright side, then I pray I will always be accused of this!! I don't want to take off my rose-colored glasses!! Everything is more beautiful through these lenses!

I pray we don't have to wait until we lose our short-term memory to eliminate worrying about tomorrow from our daily lives!! There is so much joy to take in!!

Philippians 4:8; "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.