Choosing how you perceive it.

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If I were walking down this dirt road and came upon this scene, I’m not sure how I would react. I have a feeling I would be pretty grossed out. I’m sure that skunk isn’t giving off a very good scent and it looks like he’s been run over more than once. Having a bald red headed carrion bird sitting there pecking at him makes it worse. The road itself looks long, dirty and lonely. That bit of snow in the background suggests that it is probably cold too. I’m thinking my attitude may have gone quickly downhill. Wonderful, I go out to get some fresh air and run into this scene of a decomposing skunk being scavenged. May as well take a picture so I can complain about it on Facebook. Life stinks.

What if I were in a different mood though? What if I was out walking down that road enjoying the first good day of spring? That snow is melting because the sun has come out and warmed the place up. I’m enjoying the crunchy sound of the road under my feet. Then I come upon this scene, and I’m excited because I have my good camera with me and I can tell this is going to make an interesting picture. That turkey vulture is standing proudly just waiting for me to take a great snapshot. Isn’t it wonderful how God provides for all of His creatures? That big beautiful bird will get a great meal and the skunks death wasn’t in vain. His death is providing life! God meets the needs of His creatures and I know He will take care of me as well. I ignore the smell and snap the picture. It’s all about perspective.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 New International Version

It’s true that some things in life stink, but you choose how you experience it.

Text Copyright Richelle Hecker
Photo Copyright Douglas P Brauner