20/20

Does your vision limit your life? 

That’s the question posted when I take my elderly mother to the eye doctor to get vision clarified and pressure relieved.  I see the roomful of elderly and weak, and the picture changes.  I see families raised, careers completed.  I see the strength it takes to continue decade after decade in this fast-paced, technological world.  It is my vision that is clarified.  I am relieved of the pressure to do everything on my checklist today.  

Does my vision limit my life?  No, but I see how easily my life can limit my vision.

Sight Vs. Vision

Still in the midst of a career shift, I attended an interview today.  The first half went well, and then the second half came!  To sum it all up, if I get a job offer, I will be surprised, and I will also know that it is due to God's grace!

We've been learning at church about staying focused, and the importance of vision vs. sight.  Sight is what we see with our physical eyes (the natural), while vision is what we see that God will bring to pass (the spiritual).  In the world of jobs, car notes, insurance payments and groceries, it is very challenging to focus on what I cannot see.  I am praying my way through this paradigm shift.  It is absolutely imperative that I shift my focus to God's plans for me.

Last night, when I went to bed, I noticed that it was so dark that I couldn't see anything in the room.  A few minutes later, my vision adjusted, and I could see the comforter that was keeping me warm.  In this dark, dark place of unemployment, I have to adjust my focus.  Then I will see the Comforter.

Crossroad

I find myself at a crossroad.  Like many others in today's economy, I have been placed in the very unsettling state of unemployment.  Also similar to many others, I am having difficulty finding that wonderful job where credentials meet desired job and salary.

Being unemployed as a 'mid-career professional' has very specific challenges.  I have been in the working world long enough to earn a decent salary, and also worked at jobs long enough to learn how to do a variety of tasks.  I do not, however, have the specific certifications and/or advanced degrees that employers are requiring now.

My challenge is to remain focused, and stay encouraged in spite of the denial letters I receive.  How many emails have I opened to read, 'We appreciate your interest.....We will not be interviewing you at this time....We will keep your resume on file....blah, blah, blah.'  What I would appreciate is an opportunity to interview, and become more than facts on paper.

During this time (and other transitional periods), I have to remember to do these things:

1.  Pray - I need to talk to God, and have a firm grasp on His promises in Isaiah 43: 1-2

 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

2.  Listen to my cheerleaders - Family, friends, and even former coworkers, think very highly of me and my abilities.  They encourage me by telling me about the skills and accomplishments they admire. Thank God for them!  I need to listen.

3.  Reflect - What do I desire to do next?  What steps can I take to get there?  While I'm waiting, I have more time to do some of the things that I didn't have enough time for before.  One of those things is simply taking time to think.

Yes, I am at a crossroad, but just means that I am traveling.  I am on a journey.  I am going somewhere.  I may not know the specific destination yet, but I'll get through this - one prayer at a time.

There All The Time

Who knew?

When most people think of my home town of Detroit, Michigan, the first thing they think about is crime.  I have to admit, the city does have a reputation.  Last summer, however, I was able to see the city through another pair of eyes.  My daughter, normally away at school, was home for the summer.  She urged me to attend free outdoor events with her at the New Center Park.  To put this into context, you have to know that I worked in the New Center Area, less than half a block away from the park, and had not yet attended any of the events.  Sad, I know.  It took the adventurous spirit of my 20 year old-hey, it's free-let's go before I leave the country-daughter to convince me to give it a try.

We attended a latin music concert, and discovered a fun, multi-cultural gem right there in the heart of Detroit.  We watched people of various ethnicities and all ages singing, clapping and dancing under the stars.  We ate food, sang along, and marveled at this cosmopolitan offering in our own back yard.

Who knew?

Grace and Peace

Grace and Peace

Throughout the New Testament, grace and peace are extended to fellow believers as a greeting.  “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” (2 Peter 1:2); “Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:7).  There are numerous other examples.

How often do we take this phrase to heart?  Grace.  Peace.  Neither concept should be taken lightly.  When I look at the state of our world today, it seems that both grace and peace are needed.  How much would grace change the rush hour commute if it replaced the “me first” behavior of many drivers?  Surely, one car trying to exit a business parking lot might be given the ‘grace’ to do so.  Yes, this is an extremely simple interpretation of grace, but imagine the implications of a gracious mindset rolling up to larger and larger issues.  How might grace change a parent-child relationship that is paralyzed by lack of communication?  Or two nations whose leaders are struggling with thoughts of using nuclear weapons?  How might grace change my own thoughts, shifting my focus from negative self-talk, to encouraging myself, as David did?

As grace is increasingly given, peace cannot help but follow.

Touching the Hem

Life is often a bit of an emotional roller coaster.  Job challenges for me, a job loss for my husband, financial battles, and too much clutter all add up to a need for stress relief!  Today, I saw a reference to the story in Matthew chapter 9 about the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment.  He felt her desperation, and he felt healing virtue being released.   He turned around and saw her, and told her that her faith had made her whole.

I had an 'Aha!' moment when I realized that she touched the hem of his garment.  That means she was bowed down, or maybe even prostrate.  She was down at ground level, and couldn't go any lower than that. 

Having done all....stand (Eph. 6:13).  Or touch the hem.

Great Read!

Well, I just finished reading Illusion, by Frank Peretti.  His writing style remains engaging and exciting!  I won't post any plot spoilers or details.  I'll just say go ahead and read it!  It is quality Christian fiction that does not compromise Biblical principles (even though you may be concerned about that, just judging by the the plot).