"Breakfast with Al" pt. 2

Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of Peace shall be with you.

Philippians 4: 8 & 9

"Perspective"

As I shared in the last post, breakfast with Al and his friends, brought some reflecting back on my story. I began to think, how these stories, are a link, not only to the past, but, also to the present and the future. In the passage in Philippians, the Apostle Paul tells us to "think" on things, things "learned and received , heard, and seen". He also, states we should "do" them, live them out in life, by Faith. Sometimes our stories contain parts that are troublesome, and tragic. We can think, and dwell on past situations and circumstances, some of which may have been painful, offensive, even abusive. These situations can leave us physically, emotionally, and spiritually wounded and scarred, some deeply. The Apostle tells us to "think" on the good things, virtuous thoughts, the good memories of the past. The Apostle also states, that if we do, there is a blessing that comes with. "and the God of Peace shall be with you." Our perspective, on these situations, can either, hinder us, from progressing forward in Faith, and succeeding, presently and in the future, or it can provide us the catalyst for it. There is a peace and a satisfaction that we can find in our success, and in a job well done. With the right perspective. There is also knowledge and wisdom, that we gain in our failures. With the right perspective. Just as we build our physical muscles, by straining them, our Faith and character are strengthened, by the stress and trials in life. We can view these situations as pain, or growth. How do you view the things you have "learned, and received, and heard, and seen," from the people and situations, in your life? After all, your story and success, is a matter of perspective.