When I use my GPS I need to follow the step-by-step directions. (Full confession: I am directionally challenged. I once got lost driving from CA to AZ and accidentally drove to Mexico-story for another day). Sometimes, however, instead of the map being so zoomed in I want to know more generally where I am going. I want the big picture to get my bearings. So I pinch the screen and zoom out.
Life mirrors driving. We need to do the next thing in front of us in order to move forward. One step at a time. Most of the time it is good and necessary to be focused on the present. Because otherwise worry, fear, and anxiety, can creep in. Or we’ll simply be distracted and pulled out of the moment we are called to be in. Most days we need to be near sighted.
But the present can become overwhelming. We get lost in the aggravations and inconviences of the day to day. When this happens, we need to pinch ourselves and zoom out. We need perspective. Where am I going with this response? Why is this present situation so troubling to me? If I keep responding this way, where will it take me? In these moments, we need to be far sighted.
Far sighted meaning infusing the future into the present. God’s promises. God’s truth. If you’re a Christian, your life is linear. You are going somewhere. The blood of Jesus and your trust in his perfect life, sacrificial death, resurrection, and ruling and reigning ascension has given you a future and a hope. His blood has forgiven your sin and made you right with him. Now the life you live, is by faith in the Son of God. Your life is the dream. One day you will wake up to the reality-eternity with him forever. No more vexation and vanity. No more striving and weeping. No more overwhelm over things that don’t matter in the long run.
God’s promises are both near and far sighted. They are for now and for later. They give us hope. There are many in his word. And there are also practical perspectives that those who know a risen Savior can seek to grow in. We want to grow in wisdom. Future perspective, far sightedness, infused into the present allows us to take a deep breath. It gives us wisdom-walking in God’s world, in God’s way, according to God’s promises.
I could write a positive list, but sometimes the negative helps to snap me out of my funk more. Like a cold plunge to my fired up, anxious, and angry heart, to cool it down and reset. So I concocted a list of “Said No One, Ever.” They are each making a point. These are things no one typically says toward the middle to the end of their life. Far sightedness providing the antidote to our near sightedness gone astray.
What would you add to this list?
Said No One, Ever:
I wish my house had been a little cleaner.
I wish I hadn’t read to my kids so much.
I wish I hadn’t hugged my kids all the time.
I wish I hadn’t said “I love you” so much to my friend.
I wish I hadn’t said “I love you” so much to my spouse.
I wish I hadn’t said “I love you” so much to my child.
I wish I hadn’t encouraged that person so often.
I wish I had kept more resources for me.
I wish I hadn’t given my money generously to so many.
I wish I hadn’t gotten that puppy.
I wish I had gotten a cat.
I wish I hadn’t traveled to see that person for their special celebration.
I wish I hadn’t traveled so much to see that person/people I love.
I wish I had worked more hours.
I wish I hadn’t humbled myself and called that friend who never calls me.
I wish I hadn’t forgiven that person who hurt me.
I wish I hadn’t put on patience and listened more than I talked.
I wish I hadn’t given up so much “me time” to serve other people so much.
I wish I had lived more for myself and my dreams.
I wish I had been more anxious and fearful most of my life.
I wish I had hoarded more stuff and treasures.
I wish I hadn’t been so adventurous and taken some risks.
I wish I hadn’t played outside so much.
I wish I had been on my phone more.
I wish I had been on social media more.
I wish I had documented more of my children on social media than I did.
I wish I had given my children more screen time.
I wish I had taken more selfies.
I wish I hadn’t taken such long walks in nature.
I wish I hadn’t initiated time for coffee/face to face with so many people.
I wish my knees weren’t so scarred from praying and crying out to God.
I wish I hadn’t read my Bible so often.
I wish I hadn’t read so many good books and classics.
I wish I hadn’t watched so many classic movies with my family.
I wish I hadn’t tucked my children in and prayed and sang to them so much.
I wish I hadn’t seen the good in others and in creation so much.
I wish I hadn’t been so thankful and so joyful.
I wish I hadn’t been so bold and vulnerable to love people.
I wish I hadn’t been so inquisitive and teachable, asking good questions.
I wish I hadn’t told people how thankful I am for them while I had time.
What would you add to “Said No One, Ever?”
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