Perspective is a good thing. In our melodramatic lives where everything is exaggerated, somehow heightened, blown out of proportion, you know over the top, we sometimes lose perspective. We (I) sometimes lose the ability to see what’s really relevant and meaningful. You know, the important stuff.
Well, I was reminded of what was really important the other day. I was given a little perspective. A friend and I had previously shared with each other our schedules for our days leading up to Easter Sunday. All things we were excited about doing, but looking for ways to wring out extra minutes in which to do them. Holiday times are busy weeks for everyone, especially Holy Holidays. But as I was adding one more thing to her week (in addition to what she was already doing for me – don’t you love friends!) anyway, as I was mentioning she had a few things going on, this was her response:
Oh my!! I was thinking about how busy this week is and then I think of how Jesus’ week went. Mine will be alright.
Thwack! Humiliated. Humbled. Embarrassed. Rattled. Shamed. Truth spoken. Whoa! Hard Stop. Sometimes the Truth hurts, and it should.
I have read and reread that text so many times. I don’t ever want to forget the message within it, especially this Holy Week. No matter how our days and weeks go, they could never compare, not even one iota, to how Jesus’ week went. Mentally, physically, and spiritually Jesus’ week was torn apart. I don’t ever want to forget the gravity of what He experienced. His pain and suffering, His hard work (agony) at the Cross, all for me, all for you. That’s some perspective, isn’t it?
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
May we not forget Jesus’ week as we work our way through this Holy Week.