We all have obstructions in our line of sight. We all see things differently. The mindset we have plays a huge role in how we see others and how we see certain situations. I want to start off with a story.
A Father’s Workshop: A Place of Memories
In my childhood, there stood a quaint outbuilding adjacent to my parents’ home. This space was my father’s sanctuary – his workshop. With an abundance of scrap materials at their disposal, my father and grandfather crafted this building with their own hands. For many years, it served as the birthplace of countless woodworking projects, each bearing the mark of my father’s craftsmanship.
Standing proudly in front of this workshop was an old metal wagon wheel, a relic of a bygone era that had once served as our mailbox stand before falling victim to the sharp blade of a road grader clearing snow one unforgiving winter. Adjacent to the wheel, a timeless artifact graced the scene – my great-grandfather’s dinner bell.
I can still vividly recall the first time my father allowed me to wield his scroll saw within the walls of that workshop. With precision, I carefully carved a sword from a humble piece of plywood, an experience that left me awestruck by the magic of creation.
The old building had been used for storage for several years as my father got a larger facility to work out of when I was a teenager. The building had fiberglass siding, so it looked rustic. After my parents passed, we cleaned out the small building. The floor was not in decent shape anymore, and it was showing its age, but I wanted to keep that old building for the memories. It was something that both my dad and grandfather built with their own hands.
Old building blocking the view the view after the building is torn down.
One day, my uncle, who resides just across the street, paid us a visit while we were in the midst of clearing out these structures. As he surveyed the scene, he offered a suggestion that initially caught me off guard – he proposed that we should demolish the aging building and remove its remnants. His reasoning was sound; he believed this act would not only enhance the overall aesthetics of the property but also reveal a hidden gem: a breathtaking view from our back porch.
It struck me as somewhat surprising, for I had never laid eyes on this view he spoke of. The building had stood there, a constant fixture in my life, concealing this hidden beauty from me all these years. Yet, after some contemplation, I made the decision to dismantle the structure and have it hauled away. The building’s floor and foundation had seen better days, and it was time to unveil the unseen.
Trusting the Unseen: A Beautiful View Beyond Obstructions
Trusting my uncle’s word about the hidden view behind the old building was a leap of faith. I couldn’t see it due to the obstruction. But after the structure’s removal, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight I’d never witnessed. This story parallels my mental health journey. When I’m in a dark place, my perspective becomes obstructed. I can’t perceive the light at the end of the tunnel. I refer to this state as entering the abyss – a mental space I involuntarily visit shrouded in a suffocating fog of negativity. Positivity seems nonexistent, and it’s a challenging journey back to reality. We all have doors we’d rather keep closed in our minds. In my case, that door is never fully shut; it remains slightly ajar.
Obstructions in the Modern World: Distractions and Negativity
In today’s world, there are a lot of things out there constantly obstructing our view. Television, radio, cell phones, gadgets, social media platforms, you get the picture. These items can block our view by feeding us negative thoughts. Have you watched the news lately? Do you see a lot of positive reports with happy endings on the news? Are you too busy watching your social media platforms to see how many people liked your last post? Are you listening to music that is degrading women, singing about drinking on the back roads, and using every cuss word there is? Are you too busy texting on your phone or talking on your cell phone while your kids are waiting for you to play with them? All of these are obstructing our view of happiness.
Reframing Happiness: Materialism and Personal Growth
We often have preconceived notions about what happiness should be, and these notions are influenced by various sources, like TV shows portraying perfect relationships without a hint of disagreement. But let’s not allow materialistic ideals to define our happiness.
Sometimes, we become fixated on others’ flaws instead of addressing our issues. It’s effortless to criticize someone, making ourselves look better in comparison. We might even mock a President without genuinely comprehending the challenges of their position. Passing judgment on those in dire circumstances, assuming they don’t want to work, obstructs our perspective.
The Bible, in Matthew 7:5 ESV, wisely instructs, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” This verse holds a profound message: true clarity begins with self-reflection. It’s a lesson I sometimes overlook.
These negative tendencies I’ve described can lead me into the abyss, a place where I can’t see the light. To avoid this descent, I must first remove the log from my own eye. I often set my expectations unrealistically high, making them unattainable. When reality falls short, I’m left feeling frustrated and discontent, blocking my path to a peaceful life.
Clarity and Compassion: A Lesson from John Chapter 8
In John Chapter 8, a compelling illustration unfolds, showcasing the profound compassion and wisdom of Jesus. It centers around a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery, an offense punishable by death under the law of Moses. The power of this narrative lies in Jesus’ response, found in verse 8, which encapsulates a timeless message: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
These words, uttered by Jesus in the presence of the Pharisees, resonated deeply. They not only revealed his profound understanding of human frailty but also catalyzed transformation. In response to Jesus’ challenge, the Pharisees departed, their stones unthrown, as the weight of their own imperfections became apparent.
What makes this moment even more remarkable is that Jesus, the only one present without sin, refrained from passing judgment. Instead, he chose a path of mercy and redemption. He forgave the woman and, in a gesture of profound grace, urged her to turn away from her past transgressions, saying, “Go and sin no more.”
Removing the Obstructions: A Journey Towards Clarity
Next time you fall into your abyss or go through that dark door, remember that it is just temporary, and something is blocking your view. Get out your journal, sit down, and write down a personal inventory so you can tear down whatever is blocking your view. It is hard for me to figure out what exactly is blocking my view, but I know I need to tear it down to see the whole picture. I need to examine myself first before throwing rocks at someone else. I need to remove the stick out of my eye before I try to remove a speck from yours.
Connecting and Sharing: Your Voice Matters
Please know that this blog is for you. If you have a particular topic you would like us to write about, or if you want to share your story, please email us at rentfreemedia@rent-freeliving.com. We would love to share your story with others. If you feel like you are not a good enough writer to author your story, we can help you with that as well. Of course, there is never any charge for our help. We would really like to hear from you and hear your feedback on our new endeavor.