a word that starts with "p"

perspective is everything.
if you have food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
if you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish somewhere, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy.
if you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
if you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you more blessed than million's of people in the world.

we are blessed.
we need to remember it and keep our lives in perspective and our hearts open.
Jesus too has something to say about who are the truly blessed. [Matt.5.]
they are those who know their need.
those who mourn for what is not right in them and in our world.
those who are teachable, and hunger and thirst for a better justice and righteousness.
those who leave behind a preoccupation with self and look outward beyond themselves.
to see the beauty, mercy and grace of God in the unexpected places of life.

a response:
may we

fast from discontent.
feast on gratitude.

fast from worry.
feast on God's providence.

fast from complaining.
feast on appreciation.

fast from unrelenting pressure.
feast on unceasing prayer.

fast from self concern.
feast on compassion for others.

fast from personal anxiety.
feast on true peace.

fast from discouragement.
feast on hope.

fast from the endless noise.
feast on purposeful silence.

fast from problems that overwhelm.
feast on prayer that sustains.