The Bigger Picture

Everyday we wake up and go on with our lives. With all that we do though there is a Bigger Picture. I once believed that faith was just a "backup plan." You know in case there really was a Hell and you didn't want to go. Well then you go to church, try to behave, and live your life as a careful person. Through the years I have learned that it is much different then that.

That faith is laying your life down every single day knowing that no matter what situation you are in God will help you get through it. That christians aren't wimpy individuals that are so called "perfect." In fact God wants us as christians to be WARRIORS! He wants us to be strong in our faith and all that we do.

So let me ask you...Would you lay your life, and everything you own down for what you believe? That is the bigger picture. See we as humans only see what revolves around a small portion of our lives. Our neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, or old class mates. What about the guy at the gas station on your way to work? What about the lady or guy that held the door for you today? What about the kid bagging your groceries? Yeah yeah so you are thinking "Josh what about them?"

Have you ever stopped to think about whats going on in there lives? Have you ever wondered what they are dealing with? The only reason I ask this is because I used to never care. I didn't even think twice about the people that I interacted with throughout the day. My life was brought into a whole new perspective when I started caring a little bit more about everyone else then I did about myself.

You begin to see the good in people, you begin to see a glisten in there eye when you have changed there lives just by doing a small act of kindness. It truly changes who you are and really opens your eye to the "Bigger Picture" idea. The little things in life can make your day go from absolutely terrible to truly amazing in no time flat Guaranteed!

Open Eyes... Clear View

At what point in reality do we actually see and realize everything that is going on around us? Is it when we are kids and don't have a care in the world? Maybe its that moment in our lives when we find the person we were meant to spend the rest of our lives with. I think sometimes we wait until everything is going wrong in our lives to be thankful for what we've had all along. The last week has been somewhat rough, and through it all I am grateful for what I have. Unfortunately it took a lot of stuff to go wrong before I realized it, but at least I am on the right track. Emotional drama with close friends, quit my job that was basically my second family, flat tire, moving out of my apartment, etc. All of this was done in somewhat a split second decision. I acted more on emotions than thought and didn't even care. Only to wake up and realize that if you don't have a form of income coming in then you can't pay your normal expenses. I have faith that it will all work out. I am blessed with my new career as a small business insurance consultant, I am looking forward to passing my state exam next week, and my aunt and uncle have blessed me with a place to stay for the time being. With all of that being said what does it truly mean to have a clear view of our lives? Is it the things we do to get by and pay bills? Are we living in a life of hopes and dreams to maybe someday be in a tropical paradise with not a care in the world? What motivates us to get up each and everyday to do something we probably don't like to do? Mainly Money, Family, and the worst one of all Debt. These three things are probably the reason we are all where we are now and not where we'd like to be. Being that I don't have a wife and kids it is very easy for me to go from one job to the next, or one major in college to the next. Sure my family thinks I am crazy and I know deep down they are saying "Josh just get a degree, something, ANYTHING." Two years in college and I have lots of classes under my belt but no degree. The reason for this is because I don't want to be confined to one thing that I may not like doing. Believe it or not this really got to me a while back and I sat down. With all my thoughts and all my ideas. I came up with questions on what I want to do with my life, what I like doing for fun, and what my hobbies were. I put the things that I love to do into a career and then started chasing those for careers. Now I feel like I am in the right place helping people and wanting to better myself. I am going to go back to college and get a degree to better myself in my new career. I am finally where I have always wanted to be. Even though people may not think its the best decision for me, it doesn't really matter. You need to look at what YOU love to do, and what you want out of life. Sure ask your husband, wife, or significant other if they think its a good idea and if they will support you. When it all boils down though do it for you and do it for your family. If you are happy then there happiness will follow. It may be something as little as picking up and old hobby again, or just doing something you love to do but have never had the chance to. MAKE TIME! Most of all open your eyes to your surroundings. Don't wait until what you have is gone, to realize how awesome it was. Realize how awesome it IS and always keep your positive attitude.

The worlds a beautiful place, keep a clear view!