The Power of Perspective

As an adult there are a lot of responsibilities that I have that don’t bring me much joy – paying the bills, vacuuming the stairs, and mowing the grass, for example.

But of all the responsibilities I have there is one that I absolutely detest. I know that is a strong word but if you could take a peek inside of my soul you would understand the severity of the situation.

I hate washing dishes.

There. I said it. Sorry sweetheart (if you’re reading this) but it’s true.

Ok. My wife knows about my hate/hate relationship with dishwashing. I am ashamed to admit it but I am very vocal about it. Regularly. Daily. I honestly think I’d rather have a root canal rather than wash the dishes.

I’m not sure why I feel that way about washing dishes. As a kid I always tried to help my mom with the dishes after dinner. Even today, when we have family get togethers, I’ll be in the kitchen shortly after everyone is finished doing the dishes.

But for some reason when I’m at home I just can’t stand doing them. I really don’t know why.

The other morning though as I was washing the sink full of dishes from the previous night’s dinner I started to think about things in a different light.

As I cleaned the plates I began to think about the fact that I never go hungry. I have food every single day of my life and I never have to worry about where my next meal will come from.

Unfortunately, there are many people out there who aren’t so lucky. They go to bed hungry and wake up hungry. They don’t know where their next meal will come from, if at all.

And so as I stood there I felt embarrassed for myself. I am very fortunate and lucky to have such a responsibility.

As I adjusted the water temperature I stopped and watched the water flow from the faucet. And as I stood there I began to think about how blessed I am to have water. Clean water. Water on demand. Anytime I want it. Hot. Cold. It doesn’t matter. I have unlimited access to it.

There are many people around the world who aren’t so lucky. They don’t have access to clean water at all. They face the daily fear of disease and possibly even death from contaminated water. They are forced to bathe in dirty water. They have to walk miles for the smallest amounts of clean water.

I began to feel ashamed.

But as I continued to wash the dishes I began to feel a sense of joy come over me. I started singing and my spirit lifted considerably.

Then I realized what was happening,

I was actually enjoying myself. While washing dishes!!

If you’re like me you have a lot of things going on in your life. And there are days where it’s easy to let the negative things of life weight you down. I admit it. It happens to me.

But by simply changing the way I looked at things in my life I was able to change my life. Instantly. By focusing on the things that I had to be thankful for I was able to overlook the pettiness of my disdain for washing the dishes.

I changed my perspective and I changed my life.

Whatever you may be struggling with today I want to let you know 2 things:

(1) You are not alone, and

(2) You have a lot to be thankful for. Spend a few moments to focus on the good things that you have in your life.

By taking just a few moments to change your perspective you truly can change your life.

Make it an amazing day!

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