Looking Beyond the Prickly
The house we moved into last summer is known in the neighborhood as “the one with all the trees and overgrown vines and bushes.” You see, the person who lived here before us loved nature, and she never cut down anything–and I mean ANYTHING! While we, without a doubt, have wonderful privacy, the overgrowth has driven me crazy because it is overwhelming, and it doesn’t do a whole lot for curb appeal–if you know what I mean.
During the winter season, I found myself obsessing about how ugly the bare trees and prickly thick brush looked. AND THEN THAT’S ALL I SAW. Every time I pulled into the driveway and one of those long vine-like thingys (I know–so scientific, huh?) would catch the car antenna, the hairs on the back of my neck would stand up!
But now…this spring season has given birth to so many exquisite flowers! The first one I discovered was a stunning, bright, pink camellia. (It actually inspired a prior entry called, It’s All in the Details) With each new day, I am pleasantly surprised with pink azaleas, lilac, honeysuckle, daffodils, and tulips popping up all over the property! My attention has been averted away from the ugly overgrowth and is now focused on taking in all of God’s magnificent artistry instead. It has changed my whole perspective on our home.
What if we did the same thing with our spouses, children, friends, and neighbors? What if we did the same thing with ourselves? Isn’t it so true that we can all get lost sometimes focusing on the “ugly” prickly qualities of the people around us? What if we averted our attention away from the negative qualities we see in others and instead focused on looking for God’s artistry in them? Oh–just think of how many breath-taking, pleasant surprises await us! Our whole perspective can change!
Love and God Bless,
Christy
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Oh isn’t this nothing but the truth! I am the world’s worst at looking beyond the prickliness of people, situations, etc.. I find it very difficult with people in particular. It has been a source of conviction for me as God has revealed it as an unforgiving, unmerciful heart. Which is exactly the opposite of who I want to be and the person I believe God has called me to be. So, just like I tell my children when they are faced with someone they have a hard time liking, I try to love them, give them some grace, and move on. Some days I do great, other days I fail miserably. But the best times are those when God lets me see the beauty of someone who I previously put in the “prickly” category. So thank you for this post. It’s message is so important! Smiles -
{“..it is an unforgiving and unmerciful heart.”}
I can’t imagine for a minute you being unforgiving and unmerciful! I know in my past I have tried too much to convince people they were wrong and I was right. When really, what I was doing was looking at the people and their perspectives through my own eyes, not my Saviors. I admit, I have had repeated “frying pan moments” with this topic over the last few years. It has been in this period of rest that the Lord has placed me in this year, though, that I have come to realize how much God wants to work in every one of us. The key is, He meets us where we are. We need to want to do the same thing with the people we encounter.
BTW–in our house, we have a “grace and space” motto. When the “pricklies” begin to poke, we first give each other grace and then space. That little bit of down time usually makes a huge difference!
Love and God bless!
Christy
A fresh perspective-always a wonderful thing!
You are so right, Kim! It definitely took a fresh perspective to change my attitude! Although pruning is much needed in all of us, we have to trust that it will come in His time! And until then, we can’t stop looking for those pleasant surprises!
Love and God Bless!
Christy
So true! If only we could look past the visible warts and see the exquisite beneath. You’ve inspired me. I WILL DO BETTER! Thank you for sharing on NOBH!
My heart always smiles when someone has been inspired! God is so good, isn’t He!
Love and God Bless!
Christy
LOVE it.
May we always be accused of being blind to the prickly – because we speak so often of the blooms.
Found you through NOBH links
Amen, Becky! Thank you.
Love and God Bless,
Christy
Along that line, Christy, God has convicted me about how I look at the hair (of all things) of other women and often covet or envy their beautiful locks. This makes me feel worse about my own hair, which isn’t all that bad. I just want to appreciate their beauty and yet be thankful in what God has given me. I think I will be much happier all the way around. Thanks for sharing your great thoughts!
Christy,
I just joined NOBH and found your blog! Love your post on prickliness : ) – what a great reminder that we can choose to find God’s blessings in the people and situations around us. Thanks!
Blessings,
Ann
Ann,
I’m so glad you like the post. Welcome to the NOBH! It’s one of my favorites! I will be sure to check out your site soon.
Love and God bless,
Christy