Shortly after my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer a neighbor who had moved away came to visit me. He had no idea that he was an answer to my prayers as I searched for understanding. After expressing his condolences he started teaching me about keeping an Eternal Perspective and encouraged me to look at the big picture. His words have came to me many times these past almost eight years of being alone. I find strength when I remind myself that mortality is but a small moment in time and that all sadness, sickness, and even death will someday be no more.
How blessed we are to be apart of God’s tapestry! This beautiful painting called Eternal life is glorious beyond description! If you look at the big picture you will find strokes of love, peace, hope, joy, strength and compassion. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Maybe we could all benefit from looking at the big picture even in our day to day events. Having the full story in our disagreements with others can bring compassion and understanding while dissolving the dispute. Looking at the big picture when a dream is shattered can open the door to other possibilities that might bring more growth than the original direction we were headed. God sees the big picture when he looks at us. He views his children with an Eternal Perspective. He knows who we really are and who we really can become.
Our mortal view often limits our perspective which can bring frustration, discouragement and even fear. That’s exactly how I felt that day when my husband and I left the Oncologist’s office. All I could see was shattered dreams. Life felt so unfair. The gospel of Jesus Christ turns shattered dreams into better dreams. Actually dreams that aren’t just dreams but reality!!! I know I will see my husband again and continue our relationship as husband and wife! I know this is possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I will keep an Eternal Perspective until that day comes!
We can’t see the end of the road because we are part of something bigger, something Eternal.
by Tanya Christiansen
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