God gave me a Perspective Check-Up On Life today.  It happens to me every Christmas season.....and I walk away so very thankful.  My problems dim, my desire to share Christ increases, my appreciation of where I am in life gets bigger.

 

I have volunteered as a counselor for the past 7 years at a local ministry that provides food, clothing, financial, emotional and spiritual assistance to anyone who is struggling with life.   At Christmas time we provide gifts and a food box for families in need to make their holiday brighter.  Everyone that receives assistance spends some time with a counselor who will either share the gospel with an unbeliever or encourage a believer in their walk with the Lord. 

 

As I sat and talked with one of my clients today, I struggled to keep my composure as she poured out her story to me.  She was in so much emotional pain from all the deaths she had experienced in her 43 years of life that the tears simply flowed.  As I sat and listened to her pain, I could feel God cleaning out my "house".  The issues that I struggle with began to dim and my desire to speak of the hope we have in Jesus rose up inside of me. 

 

When she finished her story, we began to talk of the Lord.  She shared how Jesus was what had kept her going through all the heartache over the years.  We talked about our hope in Jesus and how we will be in paradise with Him someday where there will be no more tears or sorrow.......how the old earth will pass away and a new earth will take its place (Revelation 21:1-4).  In all that she had been through, she knew that she had a Savior in Jesus, that He was comforting her loved ones and would reunite her with them someday. 

 

As she left with her Christmas boxes, she had a smile on her face and I saw joy in her heart.  She had been encouraged and I had been blessed.  She will probably never know how much God used her to give me a Perspective Check-Up On Life.

 

As much as I try not to, I get restless in Fort Wayne........I long to be in Arizona and New Mexico sharing Christ with the American Indians that God has called me to.  But then, God gives me that Perspective Check-Up On Life and reminds me that I am to share Christ wherever He has me at the moment; be it at a ministry in Fort Wayne, with my family, on an airplane, with a friend, at Wal Mart or on the rez.  I need to be a living, breathing Jesus to whoever comes across my path. 

 

Have you had a Perspective Check-Up On Life lately?  If not, ask God for one.  If so, rejoice and give thanks.  My New Perspective On Life says..... rejoice and thank God for sending that little bitty innocent baby boy down to this earth..... to endure more pain that I ever will..... to take my sin upon Himself.....to grant me forgiveness and then..... to take my punishment so that I won't have to.  My new Perspective On Life says.....rejoice and thank God for every moment that I have to share Christ.  My New Perspective On Life says.....rejoice and thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed on me.

 

May you have a "New Perspective on Life Jesus Christmas" this year!  God Bless You All!  To God Be The Glory!