When Perspective Hits You In The Bleachers

D E V O T I O N A L

As the cold gust of wind came barreling between the warmth of my jacket and layers of clothes, so did my complaints.

I was sitting in the bleachers of my son's fall baseball game one Saturday morning awhile back, pacing back and forth to stay warm for another hour. Secretly wishing I was back in the warmth of my home, drinking coffee, preparing for a day of relaxation and college football.

I was cold. Uncomfortable. And honestly? A little annoyed that I had to be there.

Then I saw him.

He was cornered up under a pavilion close to the field, wearing a pair of shorts and a thin jacket. Clothes tattered. Visibly shivering. Probably homeless.

But what caught me off guard was his smile.

He was watching the game intently, his eyes following each play with genuine interest. Puffing a cigarette. Enjoying an unexpected Saturday morning baseball game like it was the best entertainment he could ask for.

And there I was, bundled up with layers, a warm car waiting in the parking lot, a home to return to, complaining about being a little cold.

My thoughts turned to utter disappointment in myself. I sat back down, humbled.

Lately, God has been showing me this: we get so caught up in trivial discomforts in our own little world that we lose sight of how good we actually have it.

That man under the pavilion had every reason to complain. Every reason to be bitter about his circumstances. But he chose to smile and appreciate the moment, regardless of what he was going through.

Meanwhile, I was grumbling about minor inconvenience while sitting in abundance.

It is easy to focus on what is wrong. What is uncomfortable. What is not going our way. We magnify the small irritations until they feel like major problems.

But perspective changes everything.

What Scripture Says

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Paul did not say give thanks only when life is comfortable. He said in all circumstances. The hard ones. The uncomfortable ones. The ones that do not go the way we planned.

Because gratitude is not about perfect circumstances. It is about recognizing that even in difficulty, there is still good to be found.

No matter how uncomfortable, chaotic, or serious our issues may seem, they are temporary.

You woke up. You are breathing. God gave you another opportunity with a brand new day. There is a lot of good ahead.

We just need to stop and acknowledge it.

That is perspective.

Much Love & Blessings,

Ramzi

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Family

When family life feels chaotic and you are frustrated by the noise, the mess, the constant demands, pause. Some people are praying for the family you are complaining about. Your full house is someone else's empty nest. The chaos you are tired of is the presence someone else is mourning. Shift your perspective. Thank God for the people under your roof.

Relationships

Stop focusing on what your friends or loved ones are not doing and start noticing what they are doing. The text they sent. The time they made for you. The effort they are making. Gratitude transforms relationships. Complaining destroys them. Choose perspective over criticism this week.

Mental Health

When your mind spirals into everything that is wrong, interrupt it with gratitude. Write down three things that are actually going well. Your mental health improves when you train your brain to see the good instead of only fixating on the problems. Perspective is not toxic positivity. It is choosing truth over distortion.

Finances

If you are stressed about money, take a moment to acknowledge what you do have. A roof. Food. Clothes. Running water. These are not small things. Millions of people do not have them. Gratitude does not erase financial stress, but it does remind you that you are not as bad off as your anxiety tells you. Perspective brings peace.

Physical Health

If you are frustrated with your body, remember that it is still working for you. It woke you up today. It is breathing. Moving. Functioning. Some people are praying for the health you are complaining about. Thank your body for what it does instead of resenting it for what it does not. Perspective changes how you care for yourself.

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"Gratitude is not about perfect circumstances. It's about recognizing that even in difficulty, there is still good to be found."

P.S. If you are reading this while caught up in minor frustrations, let this be your reminder. You woke up today. You are alive. God gave you another chance. That alone is worth gratitude. Adjust your perspective. Acknowledge the good. It is there, even when it feels buried under complaints.

Lord,

Forgive me for complaining about small things when I have been given so much. Help me see my life with gratitude instead of frustration.

Adjust my perspective. Open my eyes to the blessings I overlook. Teach me to thank You in all circumstances, not just the comfortable ones.

When I am tempted to focus on what is wrong, remind me of what is right. Let gratitude shape my heart and my words.

Thank You for another day. Another breath. Another chance.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

A quick note before you go…

Last Friday, I added a small rhythm to our week. “Top Five Fridays.” Five Scriptures, one real-life struggle, and a simple poll to help us reflect together. Think of it as a one-minute reset before the weekend.

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