Last week we watched the following video reminding us that when we focus on our blessings, they shape our view of the world and remind us of HaShem’s presence.

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/JjAH_riF6K8

Do you imagine the butterfly soaring through the woods in fear of getting eaten or flying with abandon?

Do you focus on the phone pole or the beauty of the sunset?

Can you see the beautiful bird sitting on the wire though obscured through the screened window and so small in comparison to the vehicles in the driveway?

How we see the world is not just a matter of perspective. It defines our reality. When we struggle to see the beauty around us, we often also find it hard to see the beauty within us. Our self talk of inadequacies rather than recognition of our strengths often defeats us before we even try.

Sid and I bought a house next to a lobster pound. To us it is charming, real, beautiful. We feel so blessed. To others it may seem small, and a negative to be next to a working waterfront.

The Boston Marathoners who lost limbs and have come back to run again could have lived after that fateful day as victims but chose to see themselves as victors. Every marathon runner, from the elite to those who can’t finish, have worked to see themselves as winners, not just by participating in such events, but also by being overcomers of that which would hold them back, be it physical, emotional, or psychological.

Anyone who has started that first stitch of a quilt or tapestry, the first nail in the board of a construction project, the first word of a writing, that first step or mile of a trip, knows the feeling: somewhat overwhelming to think of how much work lay ahead, and yet, something pushes us forward, the belief that we can do it. So too, we can push through the feelings of self doubt when challenged to enter a difficult conversation for a raise or promotion, or to defend another, or to speak truthfully into a situation despite the negative ramifications.

Getting up each day brings fresh opportunities to either see the world as one filled with limitless opportunities or one in which we barely make a difference, one where we trust the day will have beauty and be filled with blessings or one where we fear what comes next. Only when we trust HaShem do we fully live. And to do that, we first must trust ourselves.

Seeing ourselves, and the world, with the eyes of possibility brings us closer to our Abba, for we strive to walk in His image. When we do that with deliberate intent, we can serve Him with new eyes, ones filled with hope, opportunity, and unending love of our Creator as He has of us.

Shabbat shalom.