Everyone has a perspective, a lens to look through and view the world, or a position from which they see things. This vantage point often influences our attitude, thoughts, or behavior.
Even Snoopy, our dog, has perspective; or at least I like to think he does. From his viewpoint, each and every day should be consumed with walks, treats, people visiting, napping, and endless petting.
As I look at my plants, some which I have planted in the garden and others that are waiting to be planted, perspective gives me perseverance and patience for their future harvests.
I enjoyed this person’s perspective as he celebrates a Bible dedication: “For the first time, my grandchildren will hear Jesus speak in Ukwuani. No interpreter. No barrier. Just God, speaking to our hearts in the language of home. This Bible has united our people in a way I never thought possible.” — a community elder.
As I read the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3, though the situation was desperate, harsh, and hopeless, their perspective was that God has the power to save. Though they could have been, they were not desperate, defensive, or hopeless.
After living in Thailand for 15 years our perspective on a few things has shifted but with confidence we know God has a plan; even though we do not know all the details, we can trust it.
Chris has been feeling well, exercising, working more, and regaining his energy. He has monthly check-ups. I have been needing my own recovery as well – I enjoy it when I have a slow morning and time in my garden. The kids are experiencing the most “normal” US summer of their lives; the boys even found work. We usually travel around quite a bit and sleep in numerous beds during the month of June, and it has been a gift to sleep in our own beds and wake up in our own home knowing we don’t have to pack tomorrow and then pack again in a few days.
Pray with us as we discern next steps. Naturally, most people ask us if and when we will return to Thailand. While we work and do life we will take the next weeks and even months to listen to the Lord and receive wise counsel from others. We want our perspective to be His.
Pray with us as we anticipate Chris’ medical appointments in July: he will have scans and meetings with doctors on July 16.
Pray for our kids, as the US continues to feel unfamiliar to them, at times.
Missing you all and praying for you!
I appreciate all the different perspectives – especially Snoopy’s! And we are praying with you and for you as you recover, rest, listen, live here (and sleep in your own beds), enjoy gardening, slow mornings, new work routines, and the even unfamiliar, and discern together.
Dear Hirt Family,
We praise God for this time of
healing and rest!! We pray for His clear direction to unfold and continued good health for you Chris. Also for your appt. On July 16th.
Love to all your family,
Happy Summer!!
Jim and Audrey
Grateful you are all together, doing well, finding joy, and spending time under the glorious sun He has made for us 🌞
You, Chris and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. We know what it’s like to walk through Dave’s journey of health crises with its ups and downs these past 10 years. We are always reminded that God is in control and faithful. May He bring complete healing to Chris and guidance to your family in the months ahead. And it is good to enjoy a time of rest! Blessings and Love, Dave and Lynette
My continued prayers that you walk hand in hand with Jesus never behind or ahead of Him, always With Him
I leave you with an old Twila Paris song I have been singing again and again
O God You Have Been Good, You Have Been Faithful
Praying
Dear Chris and Becca, We Lynips are “riding” with you, savoring the views and patterns of normalcy AND hoping for much encouragement on July 16. You carry placards of faithfulness to a GOD who rides with you. Much Love, K and S.
This is the second thing about perspective that I have read in the last two days…..I’m thinking it’s something I need to pay attention to. 🙂 Thank you for the update on the Hirt family. I am praying for each of you right now.
We are sending prayers for clear direction and for complete healing.
Becca, thank you for giving us a snapshot of your thoughts and feelings. And thank you for sharing your reminders to keep looking up. Although life situations vary, we have the same needs to walk with Jesus daily.
Praying with you and for you. Jean
May God bless and keep you all as you experience so many thoughts, emotions, conversations and decisions.
Thanks to God for Chris’s healing. I appreciated reading your inspirational perspective.
Kimberly & Marge & Jean – have taken the words that I would use for you. Listen & Yes ! You will learn, without a shadow of a doubt (& that can be unusual !) what your discernment tells you. GOD will speak to you – because you love HIM & because you are asking. Yet you know that.
I so enjoy reading your Sharing Words … & viewing the pictures ! Thank you.
Prayers for each one of you, Becca !
Thank you for your beautiful update.
You have such a great way of expressing what’s going on with you all. Praying that the Lord will shower you with strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow!
Walking and Praying with and for you all. May the Lord be praised and glorified and may you know him deeper and deeper in new prespectives.
Praying for God’s wisdom and timing as you discern together as a family his will. Praying for continued healing, not just for Chris, but for each of you in this journey you continue together on. Much love and grace and peace.
I’ve had Bruce W. In my SS class and enjoy seeing your sister’s family here in Terre Haute. Thanks for the updates! It’s a pleasure and a privilege to pray for you all!!
Pat
Praying with you.
Missing you guys, especially Snoopy! God is good, all the time.
GREAT perspective in that photo attached! Maybe from the back seat of a tandem bike! 🙂 Praying for God’s continued leading and discernment! So glad for more normal rhythms rest, and outdoor activities for you all!