For many years, I viewed life through the lens called Lack. I thought one of the most foolish things was the idea that one can change circumstances simply by thinking.
The phrase ‘We see things not as they are, but as we are’ was like a thorn in my flesh, always there, constantly demanding me to examine it.
After a time, I came to accept the truth of that statement, and in so doing, assumed responsibility for my current circumstances. My life changed completely. A huge paradigm shift happened.
You see, if I can blame my problems on something or someone else, then it is not my fault. I do not need to change. My lack of joy, faith, money, education, smarts, or relationships is not my fault! I can blame my upbringing, my parents, my family, God, circumstances, a church, or a hundred other things. I can blame trauma, or something bad that happened to me or someone I love. I can blame other people’s bad decisions. This mindset shouts: “Welp, things are the way they are and there is nothing I can do about it. I am a piece of driftwood in this river called Life.”
Can these things affect us and our circumstances? Absolutely! But whatever it is that affects us does not need to permanently color the lens through which we view life.
Consider for a moment the difference between a mindset of:
scarcity vs abundance
fear vs love
selfishness vs integrity
resentment vs compassion
resisting change vs growth
isolation vs collaboration
competition vs creativity
forgiveness vs blame
When I am willing to own, and take responsibility for where I am in life, this marks the beginning of stripping away layers of color that have so long distorted the vision.
In recognizing the power of a sound mind, we become truly free.
We see things not as they are, but as we are.
What one person views as a disadvantage, another will see as an opportunity.
Be vigilant that your life lens is an accurate portrayal of reality. Know the truth about God. Know the truth of who you are in the Father.
Only then will the lens be truthful.