This was “graffiti” on a wall in LA. I had to take this pic.
I want to address something that was on my mind while driving home from work.
I was counting my blessings and thinking about the different “passer-by-comments” that I’ve heard from others, whether recently or in the past. Comments like, “Looks like you had a great weekend”, “You have a beautiful family”, “You have so much fun in life”, “I enjoy your vacation photos”, etc. What instigates these comments? This is what people see of my life from pictures I’ve posted on social media.
Yes, I am a blessed girl! God has been gracious to me and my family. But…are things always perfect/great/easy? Heck no! God tells us that we will have trials in life.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Okay, so there are bad times, and will be more. So what do we do about it? Give it to God. Pray. Lay it at His feet. Count your blessings. Have peace knowing that God’s got it, and when we follow His will for our lives it will all be fine in the end because He has already overcome. Overcome? We need to do that too with our times of difficulty.
“In his kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10
Sweet Jesus! He will restore, support, strengthen, and place you on a firm foundation! Glory!
One of my favorite singers, Francesca Battistelli, has a song titled “Behind the Scenes” (click here for the video). Listen to her words and read the chorus:
Things aren’t always what they seem
You’re only seeing part of me
There’s more than you could ever know
Behind the scenes
I’m incomplete and I’m undone
But I suppose like everyone
There’s so much more that’s going on
Behind the scenes
Can I get an “Amen”?
If I were to display photos and share with all on social media all the “not-so-pleasant-occurrences” in my life, you’d have me on your prayer lists (which I do share when needed), feeling sorry for me, or scrolling down because you don’t want to see the negativity.
So what do I do? I CHOOSE to count my blessings. That’s what I share. That’s what I CHOOSE to display to hopefully lift the spirits of others.
In Romans 12:15 we read, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Back in May of this year I wrote a piece titled, “Watch Your Attitude”. Many people appreciated/ liked/ and even shared this journal entry. Check it out.
My life may appear beautiful on the outside, and you know what…it really is on the inside as well. It is beautiful, even through those tough times, because I have Jesus!
I hope you will CHOOSE to have a Beautiful Life. Display beauty, think beauty, be beauty. Don’t judge, rejoice.
I am a hot mess at times, even little moments each day, but I CHOOSE to give it to God and live BEAUTIFULLY.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
