DAY 267 -- Spiritual Glasses

As I read Alma 5 this morning, I again was struck with the importance of reading scriptures.  As I read through Alma's many questions, I tried to learn principles from the words, but more I felt the Spirit of the book.  Now don't turn me off, since I said that yesterday, I just felt I needed to enlarge that lesson learned. Perhaps if I analyze the experience I had a bit more, then I won't forget it the next time, (if there is one.)

In those "down" days, I remember thinking on the influences I had at work.  I remember feeling those frustrations with others, my boss, fellow employees, and even other drivers on the freeway.  I remember going home to my little room and picking apart the conditions I live in.  I just remember thinking about things as they are, and how I didn't like them.  Things were OK, and I really wasn't depressed, I was just looking at things with a lack of Spiritual Glasses.

As I read the scriptures, my focus on things changed.  Those same people at work who frustrate me, or who did, are doing the same thing, but it is how I react to those actions that changes.  Driving on the freeway, those crazy drivers are still present, but I realize that they are fellow brothers and sisters living their own trials and problems and their own life. I am not so quick to judge them for their driving habits.

When I walk into my little room where Bon and I live, I smile because the Spirit reminds me of the teaching that my Eternal Father is totally aware of where I am, how I feel, my desires, my goals, and He is in control of where I live, how long we live with our children, the granting of our desire to serve a mission, etc.  His timing is perfect, and not mine.  Do I have faith in His timing?

Reading my scriptures help me see exactly the same things with a "spiritual" tint or coloring on everything.  Life doesn't change, it is just how I perceive it.  Challenges don't go away, but my acceptance and desire to learn from each one is strengthened.

I am a better person, react with love and understanding, and compassion.  I am who I believe I really am when touched by Scriptures.   The challenge I have is to put on Spiritual Glasses to greet the day, others, problems, and even opportunities of growth.