Perspective

Philippians 4:4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Walkways or pathways are a recurring theme in many of my paintings. Many landscape artists play with this kind of composition because it's a good way to show perspective. In the art world, perspective is everything. This morning, thinking about perspective and pathways I'm thinking about beginnings, midpoints and ends and realizing that in life too, perspective is everything.

Today for my Tuesday Treasure I wanted to show you one of my earlier pastel paintings. The perspective is off. At the time I painted this I was concerned about my perspective, but still I made mistakes. Probably, even today, if I had the opportunity to go back to paint this scene again, I'd make mistakes. Life is like this too. We will always make mistakes. The thing is not to dwell on the mistakes so much we overlook the successful parts or the learning along the way... and of course keep our focus on the ultimate end.

My mind is rambling over so much this morning. It's a good thing that we have fellow Christians to inspire us to keep our Christian perspective correct. I love this song. I bet you do too.

'Trust and Obey'
(John H. Sammis & Daniel B. Towner)

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blessed if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Or we’ll walk by His side in the way. What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.