What do you love about where you live?
What is more important? Where we live or how we live? The geographical location of our existence can be much harder to change then our perspectives of the same matter. The weather conditions of where we live is beyond one’s control but to dwell in the positive or negative determines how much it affects us. The physical landscape is also affected by perspective, we choose what is good or bad and which one we prefer to see. In the end, where we live, first is in our minds and that moves outward into the physical world.
I am often asked this question because I recently moved to Florida from New York. I first explain that I do enjoy the weather more (heat is tough at times but not having the inconvenience of snow is worth it) and the area (being close to beautiful beaches and the paradise-resembling landscape) is better than NY. However, NY was also a physically beautiful place and had advantages to its weather. The temperate spring and fall, the beauty in the changing of seasons, and the diversity of its landscapes were all advantages of living in the Northeast. However, the biggest change from NY to Fl is not out in the physical world that makes the difference but first in my own mind.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:2 KJV
God doesn’t so much change our circumstances as He does our minds. By changing our regret to acceptance and/or understanding, complaints to gratefulness, frustrations to calmness, and worries to hope, He begins to mold our perspective of the world around us. Sheltered in his love and promises, we can endure any harsh conditions the world has in store.
If there is something I don’t love about my life, I will first ask myself why I have this feeling? Is there something I can do to change it? Does the subject of my frustration need to change or does my perspective? There is a very limited amount of the world that I can personally change but more can change inside my own mind. Where I live now, firstly and mentally, is in the shelter of the Lord and that has greatly transformed the landscape of my life. Glory be to the God who saves and transforms lives.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Psalm 23:1-6 KJV
33 and a Third 
❤️. I’m constantly battling with my perspectives. I visit and revisit them frequently. I go through my pros and cons list make peace with my present journey in my life, until the next battle arises.
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