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.
