“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”— Romans 12:2
As an artist, much of my artwork ends up in some kind of frame.
I spend time looking for the right frame—color, thickness, material—to make the piece stand out in a new way. Sometimes I have a perfect frame in mind that I know will go with the color and mood of a particular piece, but other times, I have to go and search for the perfect fit. Sometimes I try several frames on a piece–eyeing it carefully—only to take it off and try another. I also have times where I’ve had the piece in a particular frame for some time, and then change it out to another frame, which gives it a whole new look.
We often frame life, much like a piece of artwork. We frame it with our expectations, attitude, experiences, and outlook. We also frame life with our perspective.
Perspective on life is an interesting thing. I can talk to two or more people about the same situation, and everyone has a different take on it. I recently had a “speed bump” in a situation, where I was going along and everything seemed just fine, and then I found out additional information that changed my perspective. It was challenging and difficult to hear new words that would change the situation. I could only see it through my own limited perspective. Then I talked to a friend last night who helped me “re-frame” the situation, she gave me a new perspective and a new way to see my situation. Just like an actual frame, she pointed out things that changed my expectation, perspective, outlook, and gave the situation “a whole new look.”
We often run into things in life and need a new perspective. It is hard, though. We doggedly hang on to our perspective for a variety of reasons: stubbornness, fear, control, power, etc… but there comes a time when we may need to release and let go, we may need to “re-frame” a situation, see it through different lenses. Thankfully, God put a friend in my path when I needed it most, to help me re-frame the situation and my perspective.
I think God brings situations and people into our lives to do just that. To help us get a bit of perspective. Often our perspective is not God’s, and God can show us another way. He can transform our minds. We just need to be open to the Spirit’s work and see with new eyes.
What needs “re-framing” in your life this week? Any perspectives that need to be changed? Seek God, knowing He can show you a different way, and give your life “a whole new look”!
Prayer–“Gracious God, sometimes I need a new perspective in life. Open my eyes to Your plan, help me to see what I need to see, and lead me with grace to Your truth and life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
Prayer For All Days 