For the past year at M2B Fitness Studio, I’ve had our windows cleaned by a small, family-owned business. Each month, Francisco—the owner—stops by while his crew is working, and we take a few minutes to visit. We usually end up talking about all the things we’re “not supposed” to talk about: politics, religion, and what it really means to be a good human being.
Last week, Francisco stopped in as usual, and I casually asked how he was doing. He told me the past four or five weeks had been rough. When I asked why, he shared something that stopped me in my tracks.
The home his family had lived in—and that he had built—over 30 years ago burned to the ground. His family barely made it out in time.
What struck me most wasn’t just the story, but how he told it. Francisco spoke with calmness, peace, and gratitude. He shared that his family had already found a new home to purchase and were sorting through what little could be salvaged. Not once did he sound angry, bitter, or resentful.
Instead, he repeatedly said how blessed he felt that the fire happened in the evening and not in the middle of the night, allowing his family to escape without injury. He told me, “Everything that was lost was material—and material things can be replaced. My family is safe. We have a place to live. We’re grateful for all that’s been provided during this time.”
I walked away from that conversation deeply encouraged and inspired by his perspective. Francisco chose to focus on what remained: his family, the generosity of customers who gave, the people who showed up to help clean up, and the simple fact that everyone made it out alive.
The challenge for all of us is this:
Can we respond the same way in our own mess, disaster, chaos, and everyday hardships?
Most of us may never experience our house burning down, but many of us have faced moments that felt just as consuming—fiery seasons we barely escaped. We may come out with scars and wounds, but the real question is whether we can also come out with the perspective that says, “I am blessed because I made it to the other side.”
The circumstance may not be your choice—but your perspective always is.