Keeping Things in Perspective

Catholics have a prayer that mentions each person of the Holy Trinity, and ends "...as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be..."

When I need to put problems into perspective, I try to say that prayer. It reminds me that this is just a moment in time. I've seen secular advice that reminds folks to look at a problem and consider whether it will still be as important a year from now. It's the same idea.

Everything seems most important at the moment it is happening. When I think back to my teenage years, very long ago, many of the things I worried about then have never come to pass.

That reminds me of another phrase I try to remember: This, too, shall pass.

As always, I know many phrases and affirmations and words of wisdom to help in times of pressure. However, it is often difficult to remember those wonderful words in stressful moments.

Father, please remind me often that I live in a brief moment in time when compared to eternity. Fill me with the grace and gifts I need so that I will live my life with an eye to eternal life, not just with an eye to earthly life.