We have a lot of leaders in our home. Inevitably, there is a constant battle to be the line leader (it doesn’t matter if we’re just walking to a different room…everyone wants to be first). My children will literally tackle each other in order to claim this coveted position. This morning a genius moment of mommy creativity flashed in my mind. As Jackson was bringing up the rear heading downstairs for breakfast, I could tell he was on the brink of a meltdown. Then it dawned on me…Jackson wasn’t last…Jackson was…THE CABOOSE! I told him, with excitement brimming from my voice, “Jackson! You get to be THE CABOOSE!” He looked questioningly at me, and I repeated, “Jackson…YOU get to be THE CABOOSE!” His whole face lighted up. He marched boldly down the stairs and proclaimed to his sisters, dad, and all of creation, “I’m the CADOOSE! Look at me!”
Sometimes it’s as simple as changing our perspective.
There are nights when I will lay my head down on my pillow and feel like I botched every single item on my list of responsibilities. I can beat myself to a pulp for something I said, or didn’t say; for not spending enough quality time with each of my children, or allowing myself to feel overwhelmed because I don’t think who I am is enough.
In these quiet moments I am learning to pause and ask God to help me look on my life with a fresh perspective. I ask him to help me see clearly those areas where I need to humble myself and make adjustments, and then release those things that are out of my control. I ask him to help me accept the fact that I can’t do everything, and teach me to walk boldly in his perfection, because I am never going to be perfect. I ask him to give me a fresh perspective, a fresh grasp of his grace and a fresh appreciation for others.
And he always does. I find that I am asking God for a healthy dose of new perspective a lot these days. I can’t be a wife, mother, daughter, friend and leader without him. Where I am weak, he is my superwoman strength, enabling me to leap tall heaps of laundry and dirty dishes in a single bound. And when my perspective is off, he is faithful to come to my rescue every. single. time.
Friday’s Free Advice: If you are feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders and it is crushing you, maybe it’s time to stop and ask God to give you a change of perspective in your situation. I was talking to a friend recently, and for her it was as simple as a good night’s rest. It is amazing what a little change in perspective can do for a soul!