Even though a stroke at age 45 ravaged the use of one side of his body, my dad does not complain. When his wife (my dear mother) went to live with Jesus after a short bout with Leukemia, I heard his sorrow; but no complaints. Though he was not able to live alone in the home he built with his very own hands or no longer able to lace up work boots and pursue his work as a plumber and pipe fitter, no complaints. What he once considered a normal life – in a moment seemingly, it was all gone. Yet, he never complains.
In the last year, I’ve met two women who do not complain. In the natural, much like my dear dad, they could have a very long list. The first dear woman is Shannon. She is a precious, godly, homeschooling mother of four who loves and worships our dear Savior. Shannon just stood in front of our congregation where her husband use to lead worship on the first anniversary of his home-going to live forever with Jesus, and gave encouraging words. No woe is me speech, but evidence of a mind set on some One beyond this world.
The second woman is Shelli, our vibrant, full of life, youth pastor’s wife, who is choosing life and joy as she has been battling lung and colon cancer and now has a spot on her bone and liver, a complete ACL tear, a meniscus tear, AND a blood clot running the entire length of her calf. Yet when I read an update, Shelli is choosing life, a beautiful view, a God-is-in-control-no-matter-what attitude. Here’s a link to Shelli’s caring bridge site.
I see people choosing to live out to live out Philippians 4:8 Amplified:
“For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].”
As I think about my own life and *things*, situations, people or views that are not always pleasant, I have a choice on what I allow my mind to dwell on. There is much in life that could really get us down. Sickness, death, cancer, hurt, heartache is all around; but in and through it all, God needs to remain my focus, my choice. I am seeing others in the throes of life choosing a beautiful view.
God amazes me that this is the view I get to see from the front of our home.
It is what is straight ahead. And isn’t that just like the LORD, if I look straight at Him, in the midst of life, I can choose a beautiful view.
It is what is straight ahead. And isn’t that just like the LORD, if I look straight at Him, in the midst of life, I can choose a beautiful view. LORD,
If I veer to the left or the right – oh how easily I get off track.
But the Word, the Spirit’s soft voice, bids me to come back.
As You speak to my heart about what I focus on
As You speak to my heart about what I focus on
I ask You to change the places my mind dwells that are wrong.
So today, I’m fixing my mind on You, Father, a most beautiful view.
Please take my willing heart LORD and turn it as You need to.
Let me not veer to the left or to the right
And realize that all things are by Your Spirit, not by my power or might.
In the natural, a beautiful view is not what I see every time I turn my head
But, guaranteed, when I’m looking upward to You and then straight ahead
I am choosing a beautiful view.
And what a lovely perspective You give when Your glory shines through.
Amen.
A View from the front door of our cozy little nest.
Amen, sister, amen. Needed this today.
Lora,
So beautiful, just like you, and I'm choosing to look straight ahead, on that beautiful slender path, that is meant for my good. It is also meant for me to be in the center of God's will, right where He wants you and I. LOVE YOU DEAR ONE!
Yolanda
A wonderful reminder to all of us to keep our eyes focused tightly on Jesus.
My heart breaks for the two women you shared about. However, it sounds like they are pressing into Jesus and allowing Him to live through them. What awesome testimonies they have!!
Leah
Lora,
I love this post and your poem about it. I am doing the LPM online Bible study of Ruth and my sister and I were just commenting this week about how tough some people have it and yet in my own experience, "the lines have fallen for me in pleasant places" and I am blessed beyond all measure. I, too, have such a beautiful view out on our lake everyday and it is a constant source of praises and thanks to our dear Heavenly Father.
Please come to visit me sometime with the salesman and your lovely daughters. Our gift is hospitality and we would love to feed you and take you boat riding!
Blessings and thanks again for sharing. This provided a devotional moment for me this morning, love,
Judy
Judy,
Thank you kindly for your offer! We have just gotten home from North Carolina today… Part of the Salesman's family are there and we go quite often to visit. We took the scenic route on the way over and I so enjoy the beautiful historic downtown areas we pass through. You bless me. So glad you stopped by dear.
Lora
Found your blog thru your comment you left on Bev Brandon's blog….your post today really touched my heart..I really needed this today and will come back and read it several more times. May He bless you and meet you and hold you close..
Thanks for swinging by and encouraging. 🙂 I thought about you today too, so it was a double blessing to see your comment!
I wish I knew how not to complain…I admire people like that.
Your view is amazing!
Mary Lou,
I am so glad that you stopped by to visit and the lamp light will be on when you return. Bev Brandon is a jewel. I am blessed to know her in person.
Blessings to you too!
What a wonderful post. When you see what some people endure with such sweet spirits, it is truly humbling when we whine about our little trials. Thanks for the reminder!
Love your front door view! 🙂
I am ashamed to admit that I do sometimes complain. I tend to let circumstances dictate my feelings. Thank you for the reminder that I must look straight ahead and focus on Jesus. Beautiful post as always.
Oh Lora, I complain and grumble when the pressure gets tight sometimes and I truly have NO REASON to complain. Father forgive me…
God bless each precious person you mentioned.
You and I have an opposite situation. My Mom suffered a severe stroke back in 2001 and my Daddy has been fighting a long battle with cancer.
Thank you for the sweet comment you left at my place. I'm thankful the post spoke to you!
Love,
Beth
Lora,
Your post has been convicting to say the least…I am guilty of complaining, grumbling, even over something as trivial as the heat! But I have my health and so much more, too!!
Thank you for sharing this…at a time in my life that I need to think on what has been said here.
~Beth
I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog and check it out. God's blessings too you. Lloyd
My dad was a non-complainer too. I really admired him for that, and I hope to display those same qualities that my earthly dad and heavenly Dad do!
Praise the LORD dear sister! What a beautiful and tender tribute to your Dad and those dear two sisters in Christ.
Praying for them both right now! and for you and your family! Love you!
Thank you. I feel this post deep in my heart.