Many of us have heard the phrase “They couldn't see the forest for the trees.” In other words, we sometimes get so focused on one aspect of a problem, we fail to see the bigger picture. This often happens in our everyday lives.
Sometimes we are forced to endure situations that are less than ideal. During those times we can lose sight over what really matters.
Two and a half years ago, I became a father. When Jane was born, I was not entirely sure what to expect when it came to being a parent. I didn't know how I would react to the dreaded loss of sleep that comes with a newborn.
As it turns out, I didn’t handle it all that well. If you ever want to see me at peak grumpiness, all you need to do is take away my consistent sleep schedule. During the first few months of Jane’s life, I regularly had a sour attitude towards the world, which is something I regret. I regret this because I wasn’t seeing the big picture blessing that God had granted me in my life: a family. I missed out on time that I could have spent growing into my role as a father and a husband. Instead, I chose to focus on the lack of sleep I was getting. I still cared for Brandi and Jane, still cared for my family, but lost sight of how God was shaping me in those moments for greater things.
We can all fall prey to this kind of behavior, which is something that scripture warns us against. Colossians 3:1-3 says
“
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” This should serve as a reminder to not get stuck looking at just one tree we don’t like, when God has an entire forest of opportunity for us to take hold of in life.
God wants our focus to be upon Him, to trust in His big picture for our life. God’s plan for me was to be a father. This was something that I wanted, but might not have been the most prepared for, as I forgot to trust Him with the big picture and move past the few things that I struggled with. I forgot to surrender to Him every part of my life, both good and bad.
So my question for you this week is this: What is God’s big picture plan for you? Do you trust in it? Have you surrendered all areas of your life to that plan? Or are you hanging on to one or two things that you don’t want to let go of? Let go of them! There are incredible things you might be missing out on. We all have a great and glorious Creator watching over us, so why get hung up on the small stuff?
Seeing the forest for the trees,
Pastor Andrew
P.S. As of Sunday, February 23, I am now a father of two! Brandi, Jane, and I are proud to introduce the newest member of our family: Norah Eileen Walker.
