Using Facebook to Gain Perspective

 

I have written before about the dangers of Facebook.    There are many ways that Facebook can be used negatively.   Facebook can also be used positively.  I like to use Facebook to post pictures of the kids so that my mother in law can keep up with her grand kids with the click of a mouse.

Today I used Facebook to gain perspective.  I looked back at this date,  May 29th, on my Facebook timeline.  First I looked at 2012.   On this day in 2012 I was in a much different place than I am today.  

With my son Lucas the day before my surgery

One year ago today, I was heading into surgery.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was having a lumpectomy to remove the cancer.  I was also having a second surgery to remove my ovaries since my cancer was fed by estrogen.  If that wasn't enough, I was also having surgery to remove and repair other parts that were damaged during childbirth.  

My daughter was just 11 weeks old when I went into surgery

On this day last year, I did not know what my prognosis would be.  I wasn't prepared to be in the hospital for 5 days away from my three children. I wasn't prepared for the weeks of radiation treatment that I would need in the weeks to come.  

Looking back at what was going on during this day last year has helped me to gain perspective.  Today I got really frustrated when an expensive product I ordered was defective and I had to send it back to the manufacturer.  Reminding myself of where I was a year ago helped me to understand that today's problem was a small problem.  I don't need to get stressed out over the small things.  I need to ask myself, "Will this problem matter a year from now?"  

I survived breast cancer.  I can surely manage during these minor inconveniences in my life.  

What were you doing a year ago?  Did you complain about something on Facebook last year?  Does it matter today?    

Think before you post!

Philippians 2:14

Do everything without grumbling or complaining.