Aug. 19, 2007 - Pollyanna and Her Rose-Colored Glasses
Continuing in my thoughts on Visions of Loveliness is the concept of 'rose-colored glasses'. I have oft been accussed by those who love me most of being a "Pollyanna". This is all said in jest, of course, but the vein of truth that runs through is absolutely there. I AM a 'Pollyanna' and 99% of the time my glass is half full. This started out as being a learned trait, a survival mechanism, if you will. Like many others, my childhood was peppered with a few things that children should get to live without. Looking on the bright side of things was, for me, just one step away from denial. However, as I've grown up and matured, and as the Lord has healed and mended and redeemed and judged, I have come to know first hand that God REALLY, TRULY does work ALL things for good for those who love Him (Me!!! Me!!! I love Him!!!!) and are called according to His purpose (that, too, would be me!!!!). When unpleasantries happen, I really do know that I know that I know that good will come from it because of the God I serve.
So what does Pollyanna and 'rose-colored glasses' have to do with visions of loveliness? Well, Phillipians 4: 9 says, "Finally, brethren, ....whatsoever things are lovely.... think on these things". Yesterday as I was looking out my kitchen window, I griped within at the unruly blackberry vines that have crept over our hedge from the neighbor's yard. "Ugh, ugh, ugh", I thought to myself. Such an eye-sore!!! As the thought was forming in my mind, my eyes found this beautiful clump of blackberries, perfectly hung, framed by the sunlight cascading through the clouds. They were an artist's masterpiece, a photographer's prize, a painter's dream. It was such a striking word picture: one can think on the unruly brambles creeping in or one can think on the beautiful fruit glistening in the sun.
Some visions of loveliness are obviously so, but others are hidden in a mask of the mundane or the undesirable. Referring back to my puke bowl and fresh flowers coinciding on the bedside table, is tending to a sick child (and all that it entails) romantic? No! Is it lovely? You bet! Holding a cool cloth to the fevered brow, stroking their little faces with gentle, tender mommy-hands, snuggling their hot little bodies next to yours, providing them with assurance and comfort in the midst of their sickness. That, truly, is a vision of loveliness. What about dusting? Is that romantic? No! But it is lovely, especially if done while filling your home with beautiful music and having a precious helper or two at your side. And what about that new pile of laundry that greets you every morning? How in the world can that be lovely and is it possible to BE lovely while doing it? Yes! That laundry is a sweet reminder of a thriving, active household full of those you love dearly. The clean smell of the detergent; the gentle hum of the washing machine; the crisp, cleanliness of warm cloths, fresh from dryer; motherly hands folding and smoothing for her loved ones to enjoy. Shocking, its true, but laundry is LOVELY!!!!
I want to continue to strive to make my visions of loveliness part of my reality but I also want to find the visions of loveliness that exist all around me, in the mundane and the unpleasant. I am donning my rose-colored glasses today 'for whatsoever things are lovely.... think on those things'!
And speaking of things that are lovely, how 'bout this baby? Wouldn't you just like to eat her up? Yeah, me too!!!
Comments
Aug. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Rebeca
Amen! And yes, she is lovely indeed!
Rebeca
Aug. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by stillgrowing
I think your post is a thing of beauty and a joy forever. I found your words to be elegant and eloquent. Your post was thought provoking......I love it when my thoughts are provoked to higher thinking!
Your baby is wonderful......I want another one soooooooooooooooo bad! I'm hoping we will have another soon, very soon!
Thank you for posting your heart on your sleeve for all of us to read. It is an encouragement to me to be reminded to think on those things that are lovely, pure, noble, praiseworthy......
Leanne in Longview WA
Aug. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 6formama
Your baby is so precious! I just want to grab her cheeks and give her kisses!
We are reading Pollyanna as our read aloud right now. I found your post to be perfect timing for me.
I think being a Pollyanna is a wonderful thing to be!
RaShea~
