Over the last five months I have learned more than ever before that my perspective can make all the difference in how I walk my “journey of joy.” This lesson has become very visual for me recently as I realize the varying views I can have from my apartment balcony.

When I am discouraged, it’s easy to walk around with slumped posture and a downward focus. Much like the view from the balcony if I take this stance, my main focus becomes the trash and the items from the past that need to be discarded rather than highlighted.

When I keep a forward and upward focus and trust in the Great Shepherd to lead me, the view changes drastically! Just as the beautiful multi-layered view from my balcony this morning, the view of the future before me takes on a new perspective when my focus is right!

My brother is visiting for a few days from New York, and the two of us enjoyed an early breakfast out on the balcony. He, too, loved the views from the balcony and kept asking me, “What is that place?” and “How do you get to that place over there?” I felt a little non-adventurous admitting that I had never ventured out to discover their actual locations, and confessing that I had merely enjoyed the view! [He is out adventuring while I post this!]

I guess even that element of my everyday life is indicative of the lessons I am in the process of learning: I don’t have to know what’s in the multi-layered scope of my future. I am learning to do today what I am supposed to do today, and trusting my tomorrows to the One Who knows the future!

And maybe, just maybe, in my future, is a long walk to find out how to get to “that place over there!”

Hebrews 12:2, NASB “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith….”