A couple of years ago, I went to a workshop through Region 10 where Keith Lowry was the presenter. He was very entertaining and spoke on several subjects, all regarding getting along with people. The one area he spoke about that has had a powerful impact on my life, is changing your perspectives.

After the workshop, (around Christmas that year), I listened to a couple friends of mine. They were upset about all of the work and time they had put into the holiday season with no help from their families. I can remember them saying how their families seemed to almost expect it from them and that the word woman seemed to be a synonym for slave. At the time, I thought how sad it was that they felt this way. I thought, "They should try to look at it from another perspective." When you find yourself feeling this way, remember this verse:

So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
—1 Corinthians 10;12

The very next day I had a little pity party of my own. Regardless of the huge amount of help that I do receive from my family, I let the pressure of trying to get it all done get to me. Phrases that kept coming to my mind were, "Why always me," "Why can't anyone else," and "I am the only one." I even remember thinking that it was almost as if they expected it of me! God immediately showed me that I too needed a new perspective!

This Christmas season, I have purposed to keep a positive outlook on all the responsibilities and privileges given to me.

• First of all, I will notice and appreciate all of the help my family provides. An attitude of praise and thankfulness is all it takes sometimes to get rid of a stinky attitude.
  

  Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. —Ephesians 5:20

• I will also choose to see that if it appears that anyone expects something of me, then I must have done a good job taking care of them in the past. I'm not talking about letting people run over me, but when you think about it, it can actually be taken as a compliment that they are putting their confidence in you.
  

  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
  —Proverbs 31:11

• I will also keep in mind that Christ called me to serve others. If that is my goal, then these could be signs that I am on the road to success.
  

  Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. —Ephesians 5:21

• One last thing that is sure to change your perspective is to find someone you can bless. You may not be in a position to bless someone financially, but pray and see what area God would lead you to help someone. In blessing others, we see how much we ourselves are blessed.
  

  You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
  —2 Corinthians 9:11

I know this Christmas season will probably be just as busy as the past ones. However, I have already begun praying about my attitude and perspective this year. Please join me this Christmas season with a new perspective; one that would bless others and be pleasing to God.

Copyright © by Susan Sikes