Keeping the perspective

by Emily Betzler July 01, 2014 10 Comments

We just took a family vacation. It almost wasn't a wonderful weekend away. If hadn't just written the post about and made a commitment to keeping things in perspective, my expectations and feelings of entitlement could have ruined our precious family time. Perscpective

If I hadn't been actively praying and striving to keep a better bigger perspective....

the seven hour drive with two kids under four would have been more stressful;

the wet rainy weather combined with my poor packing choices would have put a damper on the weekend (well, I guess it did - We were rather damp! Rain coats? Not this family, we are on SUMMER vacation for goodness sakes!);

being stuck in a camper (13'x6') for most of the day with two kids under four would have been annoying and frustrating.

I enter into so much of my life with expectations and a skewed sense of entitlement (I deserve a vacation, with easy travel and well-behaved, calm, quiet kids, and of course, good weather!!) Expanding my perspective helped me see that this time was truly a beautiful gift, even in the rain and close quarters.

Spending a weekend away with my family; in camper with electricity and heat, that is bigger and more luxurious than what many families call home = BLESSED IMMEASURABLY.

But I am so habituated to my first-world, that I see only what I don't have and what I am missing. I find myself constantly shifting my perspective to remember what I do have to see things in a new light, in a more accurate light....

Emily Betzler

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10 Responses

Emily Betzler

May 08, 2018

Robin – Thanks for sharing. It’s all about perspective isn’t it!!! How is that sweet baby of yours Can you believe we are mothers? Seems like only yesterday we were soaking up the Costa Rican sun. xoxo!

Robin Negrete

May 08, 2018

Baby boy is doing great! The time really has gone too fast!

Robin Negrete

May 08, 2018

I always love reading your posts! I read thisone with a sleeping baby in my lap, while the hubs is playing golf. An hour ago I was a little irritated…he’s playing golf whileI am home with the baby??? But..after reading this, I realize how fortunate I am to have this time home with my baby. Being a teacher does have amazing perks…especially summer time!!!

Robin Negrete

May 08, 2018

and… just thought of this…I am doing this in a living room of a house I love, in a community we are becoming a part of more & more everyday, on s smart phone…where I can access things some people dream about. Perspective! Thanks Emma!!!! :)

Emily Betzler

May 08, 2018

Thanks, Debbie. Ohhh the goodness of His presence, the more I am in it, the more I want it…but it seems, the more I have to fight for it! It is just so easy to be distracted by all the cares and non-sense of this world. I guess that is why we need each other!!