Perspective by Laura Marshall

I have a beautiful original painting by Robyn Joy.  It depicts a dilapidated barn standing in a field of wheat with rolling burnt orange hills in the background.  

If I sit a certain way on the couch, I can stare into the expanse.  This painting has graced our home for years. 

Tonight, the clouds forming overhead in the sky look ominous.  A brewing storm.  It’s the first time I’ve seen the painting from this perspective. 

Before, the sun was my focus . . . twilight or sunrise, always at my bidding.  How did I miss the clouds in the foreground and the possibility of impending darkness, strife upon the land? 

This brought me to somewhere foreign.  Somewhere I didn’t necessarily want to go.

It’s funny how our perspective can shade our view, even of the common things we take for granted.

The place I was coming from, the last few days being harrowing, had clouded my view . . . OR had they further opened my eyes?

Are the circumstances in your life clouding your perspective or perhaps opening your eyes further?

I sift the images and reflect on the times, placing each moment of worry or confusion into the Lord’s hands.  I’ve held them too tight lately.  I’ve forgotten the One who calms the storm and speaks to the waves. 

Today as I look upon the painting, the clouds are puffy and rolling swiftly on the wind.  They cling to the fringes of His robe and obey His command.  My mind is at ease, His words of peace prevailing over all.

Laura J. Marshall, the mother of five sons. writes fiction and nonfiction.  Her first nonfiction book is called A Mom’s Battle Cry for Rest: Battle Cry Devotional Series.  Laura’s fiction romantic suspense book, Persistent Love is due out in the Spring of 2013.  You can find out more about Laura and her books at www.LauraJMarshall.com

Laura’s book on Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B00BI2HMDM