A change in perspective, a change of view.
(Picture by Lisa R.)

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, then you know I have this belief. Change in perspective, change in behavior. I believe we have a choice. I reiteration this belief today, because I hear so many people say these words, “Well if she/he didn’t do what they did, I would not have had to react the way I did.” What?! Why would you give somebody else the power to determine how you act? God gave everyone, EVERYONE free-will. Therefore no matter how bad the other person’s behavior, our actions are still solely our CHOICE. If we want others to be responsible for their actions, we also have to be responsible for our own. I encountered a situation recently that reminded me how important it is to own up. On this journey people will make you mad, and push your buttons (on occasions you may envision running them over with your car…don’t). However their behavior does not determine our behavior. So the next time someone sets you in the direction of going off, remember you have the choice to be just like them or to rise above. Don’t take God’s gift of free-will for granted (don’t pass the buck, take ownership). If He wanted to He could have made us like robots, doing His bidding without any choice of our own. He’s God he has the right. Instead He gifts us the right to choose. So choose wisely. Our perspective determines our behavior. Change your perspective, change your behavior. Yes it is easier said than done, but it is also not impossible. It’s simply a matter of choice.

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

So what am I thankful for today? The right to choose my perspective.