Perspective

Today was one of those days where you just have to decide which perspective you are going to have. I work at a beautiful; some would say even majestic garden center. I started there last year in June and it is the most favorite place I have ever worked.

Today, however, was one of “those days” ya know, one of those days when the high in the forecast is 34 degrees and you work outside.

Wisdom woke me up this morning and said, “ya might want two pairs of socks today.”

I always try to see the bright side of things so I was sure to order my coffee extra hot and pull out my warmest winter coat. I parked, I clocked in and the mayhem began!

My first real winter ice storm as a garden center employee. I said my little “help me Jesus” prayer, laughed and went straight to the boss for the (what to do).

All of the feels began to bubble up; but then wisdom spoke again, that word, the word I have been hearing in my spirit since the beginning of 2021; PERSPECTIVE.

Turns out the (what to do) was to (UNDO) all of the hard work (we all) had done for the last several weeks in preparation for a beautiful spring. Talk about frustration!

I remembered that any and all work should be done as unto the Lord as it says in Colossians 3:23-24.

23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.

I remembered that my job as a kingdom daughter is to work as unto the Lord. That little reminder shifted my whole perspective. I began to think about the entire situation from a much different position. Almost as though I had a little window seat to Gods schematic sketch of how he was using (all the things) for my good.

You see; for several weeks we have been coming in everyday, running around, trying to get everything in line for our busiest season (spring). Literally everything (in line). From unloading 18 wheeler trucks, carting the plants, tree and shrubs off someplace on the acreage to where they belong, lining them up by gallon size, color and preference. Making signs to assist people with questions. Watering, fertilizing, weeding….. the list can go on and on.

But then when we felt like we finally were getting it all together BAM! A weeklong severe weather ice/snow storm! Literally demolishing all of the work we so diligently completed. My question as I stood in this moment today was; for what?!?….

I mean; you may not work in a nursery like me but; isn’t this example, just like all of the striving we do everyday? Influencers dumping hours of their day building content only to have a computer glitch as they lose it all, new businesses working tirelessly ready to launch and Covid hits, going to the gym everyday, meal prepping, loosing the weight and then getting off track. cleaning house for hours only to see it upside down the next day, going to school for the last x amount of years trying to get that degree and after graduation it seems impossible to find a job.

Don’t get me wrong I am not saying that doing these things is wrong or pointless; I am just saying that while we are in all the doings, we need to make sure that it has a greater purpose. Because here is the truth; things, people, places, goals, relationships, all the things we strive for are here today and gone tomorrow.

Make sure that WHILE you are doing all the things you are stopping to appreciate the moments. That when someone approaches you, you look at them and smile. A smile can be so healing for a person; better yet a warm hello, how are you……

I am also a firm believer in God’s perfect placement and plan for us. The people in your sphere of influence are there either to help you grow and heal or for you to help them heal and grow. There is so much wisdom in being slow to speak and quick to listen. If you learn to quiet yourself enough, the Holy Spirit will pour into you for you and for them.

My point is; all of those days and weeks I personally spent running around, lining things up and preparing for spring were not in vain, if I had an eternal perspective, knowing that everything I did physically was not eternal but every smile, conversation and appreciation of God’s creation was. It made all of the work worth it. When we can turn all that we do into a form of worship and reverence to God. THAT is when we get to taste/experience the fruit of the spirit.

22–23 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions:

joy that overflows,

peace that subdues,

patience that endures,

kindness in action,

a life full of virtue,

faith that prevails,

gentleness of heart, and

strength of spirit.

Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

Limitless; this is when everything you do makes sense and has eternal purpose.

This shift in my perspective was everything yesterday, because even with two pairs of socks, two shirts, a sweater, a warm coat, long Johns and pants. My physical body was uncomfortable but my Spirit was on fire. I had a song in my heart and a smile on my face.