Today I came across an interesting article. It talked about a concept called, “missing tile syndrome”. As I read, I realized that it was not coincidence that I had stumbled upon this post.
Let me explain. Imagine you are in a dentist’s office having your teeth cleaned and are focused on the ceiling above you. As you glance around the room, you notice that one of the ceiling tiles is missing. Although the majority of the ceiling is pristine and perfect, you would likely be transfixed upon that one missing tile for the remainder of your visit.
As human beings, we have a tendency to focus on what is missing instead of on what is present. That is fine for ceilings, as they can be perfect. The danger is when we apply the same focus and filter to our lives…
Even if we have a wonderful and full life, there are always areas which we feel can be better. The positive side of this is that we continue to focus upon learning and growing and bettering our life circumstances. The downside is that we may end up obsessing on that which is missing to such an extent that it detracts from our happiness.
Jess and I felt God lead us away from our community in BC. In Surrey we had a wealth of friends our age, jobs which woke us with excitement in the mornings and the beauty BC has. When God said it’s time to uproot and move away, I was devastated… Disobeying wasn’t an option, but He didn’t tell us where to go to.
We landed here in Virden in September. Here we are eight months later and I’m just starting to understand the why behind God calling us into the unknown. Enter the missing tiles syndrome. I’ve been so focused on the things that I don’t have here that I’ve become obsessed. Like grasping at straws I try and force things to happen to satisfy my longing.
God is tearing down my definition of thriving. He wants me to look at what is present in my life. I have a beautiful wife, a daughter on the way, a roof over my head and a family to connect with.
Just last week I preached at Victory Church about these three things: Focus, Thrive and Victory. Just as Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water, it was when his focus came off of Jesus that he began to sink (Matt 14). We have to keep our perspective in the proper place or we too will get overwhelmed and sink.
Paul and Silas were in prison, and began to worship and praise the Lord. Prison isn’t a place where you can thrive, but their worship changed the atmosphere they were in and it became a place of freedom. (Acts 16)
Judah had three armies declare war against them. Their response? Marching into battle they sang praise to the Lord and the Lord wiped out all of their enemies. (2 Chron.20)
Missing Tile Syndrome will cause us to dwell on our problems, issues, battles and things missing. If we continue in that pattern, we will spiral into a place of depression and frustration. The remedy that I’ve found, is inviting Jesus into these places. For me, when I surrender my expectations and my desires to Jesus… my perspective shifts to the things that truly matter. It doesn’t mean that life doesn’t get hard. In fact, Jesus said, “In this life you will have trouble.” However, he also said right after, “Take heart, for I have overcome the world.”
I’m not trying to preach. I’m just in a wrestling match for my joy. I know that if I continue to look at the things I’m lacking… that I will fall off the cliff of depression. I’m just sharing the only way that I experience true joy and life, which is through my dearest friend Jesus.
