How many of our problems have less to do with the causes that we blame, and more to do with how we are looking at the world?
As I struggle with a difficult season, it’s very difficult to see the world around me. I can’t focus on what I’m reading, can’t sit down and write, because all I think about is my problems. I go out with friends, put on a happy face, but in the back of my head, I’m worrying. I meet pretty girls but can’t pursue them, hear about movies or concerts but can’t afford them. Everything else, good or bad in life, is forced outside my field of vision.
The world might be beautiful, but often, we only see the tunnel. An argument could be made that tunnel vision is the cause of most depression, divorce, suicide and maybe even recession. A couple is saddled with debt, and soon they’re fighting over the dishes. A single has a bad break-up, and soon, there are no other dateable people in the world. Problems with banks have us hiding money under the matresses, instead of taking advantage of the fact that we are still, far and away the most wealthy country ever.
What are you focused on? How can we overcome tunnel vision?
It may not fix all of your problems, but it’s a big step.
On Saturday I went with some friends to an underpass where we served up chili mac and fresh fruit to San Antonio’s homeless. My friend Daniel plugged in his guitar and we rocked out a bunch of old hymns and praise songs. The wind was blowing, making a 60 degree morning feel like 40.
The only person to sit by us was a withered Hispanic woman in her 40s or 50s. She only had about three teeth, but she had a great smile. She sang along, best she knew how, but soon gave that up to sing and dance. I have no doubt she was praising God.
All the cliches came true. Watching her dance made the problems of the last few months of my life look so small. Here I was, “leading worship,” but she was teaching me how to give myself over to God.
I really considered sleeping in yesterday. But it seems the best thing I could do, the only thing that could help with my problems was to get off my butt and serve.
Right now, I’m going through what could be called “hard times.” According to the news, we all are.
It’s hard because it shows how little I really trust God. I say I believe in God. I read my Bible, and claim to believe it’s promises. The reality of my situation can be scary, and promises “to prosper you” and to clothe you like “the lilies,” even the promise to “bear your yolk” are hard to take seriously.
It’s hard because I want to fix it. I’m a type-A, take charge kind of guy. While there is a lot to be said for that, it can only get you so far. Waiting on the Lord is hard for anybody, but especially those of us who are used to fixing things.
It’s hard because there are no words. Sincere people try to comfort you when your scared, but, it often comes across like platitudes from people who have never really faced hard times.
It’s hard because you put off all other hopes and dreams to deal with reality. The book I was going to write, the relationship I was going to pursue, the race I was going to train for; all of that seems like it has to be put off.
How many of our problems have less to do with the causes that we blame, and more to do with how we are looking at the world?
It’s really that easy.
Right now, I’m going through what could be called “hard times.” According to the news, we all are. 
