Rose Colored Glasses

It’s time to put on my rose-colored sunglasses. Last fall my new, burgundy-tinted shades revealed the changing autumn leaves in full Technicolor. The reds, oranges, and yellows were bright and vibrant.  When I removed my glasses, the leaves reverted to a more subdued shade of red or gold. Spring color is exploding in Georgia and I want to once again experience God’s creation on steroids. The daffodils will be a brighter yellow and flowering red buds almost purple through my rosy spectacles.

After a cold, rainy winter my aching bones are ready to experience spring. I will gladly throw the heavy coat, gloves, and boots into the back of the closet and choose more lightweight, carefree options. I know my friends in my birth state of New York have no pity for me as they are buried under almost two feet of heavy, wet snow. Whenever I am tempted to complain about our cold March temperatures, I think about them and stop whining.  

It’s also been a winter of discontent in our country. The discouraging daily news with shootings, political infighting, and natural disasters weighs as heavy as a soggy snowfall. The daily dose of realism on TV and online seems to rule the day leaving little room for peace of mind and a positive attitude. A verse in the Bible keeps me from feeling negative about life.

The Apostle Paul admonished the Christians in Philippi to filter their thinking through God’s rose-colored glasses. 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

He explained that right thinking was the key to experiencing the peace of God. He encouraged the believers in Philippi to focus on those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Paul implied that a change in thinking— seeing things with God’s perspective— can bring peace in the midst of difficult circumstances.

This verse tells me I can avoid anxiety by looking for something praiseworthy in every situation. Inner peace is contagious and other people will notice and want to know your secret. Then you can share with them how God’s rose-colored glasses can help them see life differently too.