City Glasses

I have a major defect in my personality.  My daughter told me it's called City Glasses.  It's a malady known to/by optimists.  I think we all (optimists, that is) might be guilty of it.  Although most of the time I seriously doubt that we are even aware of this affliction.  And some might agree that not all afflictions are bad, no, some are rather good, some are ones to strive for and some are ones to cherish.  I do, I cherish my optimism, I truly do.  For without it, I'm not so sure I would have emotionally survived my life thus far.  It's been a gift.  And I'm thankful for that gift.

Why is it called City Glasses?  Well, because when I have had to move, and move I have, I have embraced each and every city.  With arms wide open, I rush in, grab on and hug each city with all my might.  For me, it's a form of self-preservation.  I guess I have a tendency to view my new city through rose-colored glasses.  I have to, otherwise, I would die inside, and then before long, there would be nothing left of me that would be vibrant and alive, and that surely is not my personality at all.

So, I put on my rose-colored city glasses and I look at my new city and I find everything there is to find that is positive.  New restaurants, parks, festivals, etc., if it's there, I'll find it.  I'll know more about my new city in one year than most long timers will ever know.  I embrace it, research it, enjoy it, and look forward to my future. Yes, sometimes it's hard.  Sometimes, it is almost downright impossible and yet, I do it.  I find something.  In each city, I find something.

So, with my city glasses on, I move forward.  It isn't that I forget about my old city, or that I've changed my mind as to the previous discoveries in my old city.  I am, however, moving on.  I have to--to remain positive.

Here is my advice--for what it's worth.  Wherever you live, wherever you go, whatever God has called you to do--put on a pair of City Glasses.  View things through God's eyes rather than you own. Look at people and places with new eyes.  Embrace your surroundings and ask yourself this--what can I glean from this experience?  If I'm here for a day or a lifetime--what can I learn?

In a nutshell, that's what I do.  Right or wrong, it's how God has shaped my personality and attitude over the span of my life.  It's the ability to refocus and lean into my surroundings.  And I like it. I like my City Glasses.  They are so pretty.