Change The Narrative

I woke up to an amazing view this morning. A breath-taking backdrop of peace and serenity, blue skies draped over calming ripples of never-ending waves. The beach is my "happy place!"

The place that makes me "forget" about monotonous daily routines.
The place that allows me to "exhale," without judgmental stares.
The place that provides an "escape" from the continuity of chaos.

For a brief moment, my mind drifted back into an old familiar place, the "imprisoned cage" of constant criticism. I am a undercover," hotel snob." I rolled my eyes in slight disappointment as I inspected every square footage of the close quarters and how it failed to meet my desired expectations. When I travel with kids, I prefer lots of room! We were definitely in a tighter space, than "our norm." We only had one bathroom. There wasn't a full kitchen. We lacked separate bedrooms. The lamenting started to spill over into my morning ritual. I agonized about the tons of homework that I needed to complete. Here I was (on vacation), sitting at a laptop. The "lack" overpowered the luxury of "being present." God had made all the necessary provisions, but I insisted on grumbling like the Israelites. I inadvertently bought the distorted "Egypt mentality" to the oceanfront of opportunities that stood before me. My gratitude was swallowed up in the belly of selfishness.

How many times have we failed to acknowledge the beauty in "imperfections?"
How many times have we forfeited God's best to surrender to our own agendas?
How many times have we complained about being stretched beyond comfort?

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."- Colossians 3:17

God shifted my perspective and tossed the "lack" into the sea of forgiveness. Don't let the enemy whisper "sweet nothings" into your ear. Don't let the burden of perfection become a barrier that blocks God's blessing.

When the narrative changed, I jumped (feet first) into the water and the "flow" changed directions. The winds shifted. All of a sudden, the accommodations became more than enough. God enlarged my territory. He replaced my stained, ungrateful heart with a beautiful mosaic of gratitude. And I begin to rejoice under the sunny skies, making priceless memories with my family.

Live in peace.
Live in faith.
Live with gratitude.