Clear View Mirror

Sun peaking through Desert Willow bloomed in late June

Have you ever stopped to think about how much your frame of mind can affect how you experience life? It is quite remarkable when you think about it. Whatever your mind is focused on will shape your view of everything else you encounter at that moment. We are empowered to choose our views, and that directs what we can see and what we could miss along the journey until we choose to reconsider shifting our focus, and our mindset to something else. Shift what you focus on, then your attitude, your vision, and your entire perspective will direct how you react to a situation.

Just this morning, Kuruk and I headed out for our usual morning walk, a nice man pulled up along us in his truck to inform us to be careful because there was a "big ol' snake in the road" a little way up. He did mention that he had thought he had run over it but wasn't sure if he hit it. Well, you may already know that snakes, particularly rattlesnakes are a big, no... huge no-no for this desert girl! That immediately opened the door to fear, and my eyes shifted from, enjoying the peaceful morning and soaking in all the flowers that had beautifully bloomed on the desert willow this late in June, to frantically scouring the ground for that snake. As we were turning the corner at the end of the road and nearing a walking path with much more vegetation, which meant ample hiding places for that danger noodle, that nope rope. I became very concerned about whether this man managed to just make it grumpy, and then I began having these horrible thoughts about that nasty little critter coiled up somewhere. Just waiting to take its frustrations out on the next passerby. Which would have inevitably been myself and Kuruk! It's amazing how vivid your imagination can be when it's running from fear.

My mind was so focused on my worry about that snake, and potentially running into it, that I had completely missed the adorable family of bunnies that were enjoying the sunshine and some greens along the same path. Three of them suddenly darted right past us. Then there was that awesome Harris Hawk! It seemed to be seeking breakfast while perfectly perched on a chimney nearby. I often love stopping along our walks and capturing nature photos when I can. However, the fear of running into that rattler, that I wasn't even sure if I had already passed by, completely consumed my mind at that moment. The funny part is I didn't stop to think until later, that that man did not even say it was a rattlesnake. I just assumed it was. Hm... I wonder how many times I do that?

Assume.

Harris Hawk seeking breakfast

We rounded the corner, and headed up the street behind our neighborhood, as we were walking along, several neighbors gave a smile and a wave. That's what we do out here in our friendly little community. I noticed that Kuruk was doing great! He didn't growl or pull toward any of the other walkers, or busy people getting into their cars for their daily commute into town, and by this time the idea of that snake had slithered away under some rock in my mind. Things were good and peaceful and pleasant. As we continued our brisk pace, I noticed another neighbor walking out to his car. By his attire, it seemed he must have been heading out on his morning commute as well. He had a white button-up, gray slacks, and a lanyard hanging from his neck with some sort of ID tag attached. I didn't think anything of it and gave a friendly nod, smile, and a short wave, with a cheery, "Good mornin'!" His head did not lift. He did not smile. In fact, he just promptly climbed into his Beemer (BMW) and none the more was said after that. "Um, okay!" I thought to myself. A bit embarrassed and slightly put out. Now to be fully transparent here, I defaulted into a judgmental thought, and snidely retorted to myself, "It's always the ones who drive the Beemers!" I apologize upfront if you drive a BMW. A person should not be judged by what they wear or what they drive. I am aware of that and believe it wholeheartedly. I think it was the Holy Spirit that spoke up in my mind at that very moment, because all of a sudden I had a counter thought to that private little snide statement, "What if he wasn't being rude and ignoring you, what if his mind was so focused on what he needed to do today, that he did not even register you speaking? Have you not done that yourself at times? Take a look at your perspective, what validates that he is a rude person? Just because of what he is driving? Just because he didn't reply in kind? Does that make you more or less than him in any way?" Wow, talk about a gut check! Instantly that was followed by two verses laid heavily on my heart. Jesus Himself said in John 7:24, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." That was followed by being reminded of what is in Matthew 7:12 when Jesus commands us to, "Treat people the way you want to be treated." Not just to treat people in kind to how they treat you first.

His Glory Shines

Between the fear that nearly stole the enjoyment of my entire walk and the humbling realization of my own iniquities, once again, I found a precious blessing of discipline in love from the Lord. I can't help but smile to myself when I think about how dearly He loves us. Immeasurably. Tenderly. Enough to use small moments like my morning walks, to patiently teach, and reaffirm His presence in my life. After some contemplation and a heartfelt request for forgiveness, I breathed in deeply and embraced the warm morning sunshine. The final sweet blessing He gave on this morning's jaunt, was a new fresh perspective, opened eyes, and a clear look into the mirror. He brought about the awareness of intentionally being more discerning with what my mind chooses to focus on in different situations. Do you choose to focus on fear, on negativity, or do you choose to see the beauty and blessings around you? Having faith that the Lord is faithful, He protects and provides. Will you choose to see with a judging and prideful heart, or with an understanding and humble heart? This is our empowerment. He leaves it up to you to determine how you view your circumstances and the world around you.