Don’t see the stretch you have to run. See the finish line.

I was taught a lesson on how emotions color perspective today. Last week I made plans with a friend to meet for lunch. We hadn’t seen each other in a while and had a lot to catch up on. She’s my go to person for advice and to just bounce lessons I am learning off of. We are alike and very different at the same time. One area that we differ in is the area of time management, I am always early (or on time) and she is always late. It is hilarious because she knows it. So whenever she gets to  destination before me, it is a win. Today’s meet up was at one. I texted her before leaving to let her know I was on my way. As I was driving through my neighborhood, I couldn’t help but be in awe of it’s beauty. The roadways in my complex are lines with trees, shrubbery and brightly colored flowers. The scene before me as I drove was beautiful. It was like driving in a postcard serene and peaceful. I was early so I had time to enjoy the long drive out of my complex (it takes approximately 4 minutes to exit my community).  About ten minutes into the drive, as I am stopped at a red light, I rummage through my bag to get something out of my wallet, that’s when I noticed…I. Don’t. Have. My. Wallet! I need to turn around. I decided to call my friend to let her know I will be LATE. Wait, what!? I. Don’t. Have. My. Phone. Either!!!! I quickly rush back to my house pick up my missing items and head back out. Only, this time the drive it NOT scenic, it is NOT beautiful or peaceful. I am NOT praising the landscaper. I am cursing the builder wondering why it takes so long to get out this place! Ha! As I was relaying the story of the re-drive to my friend, I was reminded that perspective is a choice. The landscape hadn’t suddenly become ugly or unpleasant, but my view of it did. Why? I was late I was in a hurry and it takes 4 minutes to exit my complex. We can choose our perspective. The second time around, had I chosen to let it, the drive could have been just as beautiful as the first. Instead I let my emotions and feeling dictate how I viewed it. Here’s some truth as we go through life working towards our goals. Perspective will either push us forward or hold us down. You can choose to see the bad things as road blocks, keeping you from your dreams. You can choose to see them as hurdles that need to be jumped, in order to reach the finish line.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. ‘For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior'” (Isaiah 43:2-3).

So what’s my plan of attack? Don’t see road blocks, see hurdles and jump them.