Chris' Thinking Tank

Greetings,

Happy Thanksgiving from the Birkys!

Now that the holiday season is on us, I want to ask you, "what you are looking at?"  Once you answer that question, next ask "how close to it are you?"  These might seem like crazy questions, but hey, consider who asked them.  But, anyway, one thing that I have found is when I find myself becoming overwhelmed, it is usually because my focus has become too narrow and near-sighted.

I become too intensly focused on that which I have allowed to become much bigger than it should.  It is at these times that I need to force myself to take a step back and see the bigger picture.  The last two weeks we have gone through more tissues than imaginable.  Coughs, runny nose, fever, we have had it.  It is a natural tendency to allow stuff like this to discourage you and maybe even feel a little sorry for yourself.  But every morning when I wake up and my head is pounding and throat is sore and the girls' noses are runny and mommy is coughing, I have to take a step back and realize we are healthy.  We might have a season of colds, but God has given us good health.

Is there anything looming large in your life right now?  As we move into a season of thanks...please try and remember to take a step back and view the bigger picture from God's perspective.  It is a natural tendency to focus on ourselves and it usually starts with the little stuff.  Have you ever said, 'there is nothing to eat,' when actually the fridge is full or 'there is nothing to wear,' when your closet is packed full?  I know that these may seem insignificant, but small habits tend to lead to a pattern we use when bigger issues arise.

There are people today who feel all alone.  Someone out there just lost a loved one.  Others might be facing a terminal illness.  Many are facing financial struggles or family life is in turmoil.  There are people who feel no one loves them.  Maybe we have all struggled with some of these.  It is at each of these difficult moments when we must step back and see the best biggest picture.  God loves us when we don't deserve it, and Jesus died when it should have been us.  This is where I personally have to start everyday (and multiple times throughout) or the world will eat me up.  Stepping back and not focusing so intently on just ourselves allows our lives to have a more balanced look.  When we view our lives from God's perspective, the bigger picture tends to make even the most difficult things seem possible.

Remember, nothing is too difficult or impossible for God.  This habit develops a tremendous sense of humble appreciation and adoration.  I know it allows me to have joy even on a rotten day.  My joy begins to be based on who I am and what I have been given and not what life is giving me today.  The Psalmist was right when he said...."Give thanks to the Lord for He is good - His love endures forever!"

I hope that during this Thanksgiving season you will be able to step back and count your blessings and put into better perspective the struggles that life may be presenting you right now.

We truly appreciate your support and being a part of our family.  As an E-Club member please stop in this November and receive 15% off any of our Amish Cheeses!  They are a great snack, super on sandwiches, and awesome for holiday dinners!  Just tell the clerk, "I'm an E-Club member" and she will know what to do!

Blessings!

Chris