Renewed Perspective

Monday I had the opportunity to teach a small class at a photography convention hosted in Kansas City. It was great to be back in that world. I met several new friends, and I had the opportunity to re-connect with a few old friends too.

Reconnecting with these friends, I was reminded of where I’ve been, and how far I’ve come in the past few years.

I’d forgotten.

For nearly 10 years, I was given the opportunity to build a business, develop relationships and learn skills while in that industry. I loved it. Parts of it though were really hard. I got beat down in some areas of my life. I lived some of the lowest moments of my life during that period. I lost lots of money. Important relationships were destroyed. I endured tremendous pain.

But it was good.

Grace.

I needed to remember what it was like, because I’ve seen so much grace poured out to and through me since then. In fact, now I see those low moments were themselves grace in my life.

You may wonder how I can describe a dark period of life as grace – unmerited favor. I call it grace because it built character in me.

I’m not the same. I’m changed. I’m a stronger person who knows more clearly his purpose, call and abilities. I don’t question myself, like I used to.

Donald Miller says we don’t achieve anything when it costs us nothing. That’s grace.

I you can see the hard times you’ve lived as grace. I hope like me, you’ve changed. I hope you now are a better, stronger person.

If so, call it what it is.

Grace.