The Pony Perspective

Life doesn’t always give us the gifts we expect, but perspective makes all the difference. The pony perspective reminds us that God’s blessings are often hidden beneath life’s messiest trials.

A story has been told about twin boys who were celebrating their birthday.

“This year for your birthday, we have a special surprise for you,” their parents said. “Your present is in the backyard, and we want to show it to you one at a time.”

The first boy eagerly went to the backyard to see this special gift. However, to his dismay, the only thing he found was a huge pile of manure.

“What a terrible present!” he complained. “This is my worst birthday ever.”

But then it was the second boy’s turn. Although he saw the same pile of manure, his reaction was entirely different.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” he told his parents with gratitude and great joy. “Where did you put the PONY?”

The Lesson For Us

As the second boy recognized, when we’re faced with situations that seem like manure, it’s time to look for the pony! Right around the corner from life’s stinkiest circumstances, we’re likely to soon discover a wonderful blessing from our Heavenly Father.

This story highlights an essential truth: our perspective shapes our experience. One boy saw disappointment, while the other chose anticipation and gratitude. The circumstances were identical, but the outlook changed everything.

Choosing Joy in Hard Times

The apostle Paul understood this principle well. Writing from a dark, smelly prison cell, he penned these words:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice … Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things … and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4-9 NASB).

Paul’s circumstances screamed defeat—but his spirit sang with joy. He embraced the pony perspective by looking beyond the “manure” of chains, confinement, and suffering, choosing instead to focus on Christ.

How to Develop the Pony Perspective

Changing your outlook doesn’t mean pretending your struggles don’t exist. Instead, it means allowing faith to reshape your vision. Here are a few ways to live with the same perspective as the grateful twin:

• Expect God’s goodness. Even in dark valleys, trust that God has prepared blessings you cannot yet see (Psalm 23:6).
• Practice gratitude. Thankfulness in hard times is a weapon that shifts your focus from the problem to God’s promises.
• Look for growth. Trials can refine your faith, build endurance, and prepare you for greater things (James 1:2–4).
• Encourage others. Sharing hope in the midst of struggle multiplies joy and strengthens community.

When we apply these practices, we begin to experience peace that isn’t dependent on circumstances.

Hope Is Closer Than You Think

Friend, no matter what difficulties you may be facing today, make sure to look for the pony. It may be closer than you think. The mess you’re standing in might just be the prelude to a miracle.

God’s Word assures us that He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and that He can bring beauty out of ashes (Isaiah 61:3). With every trial, there is an opportunity to discover the depth of His faithfulness and the power of His peace.

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Are you ready to start living with the pony perspective—finding joy, hope, and blessing even in the middle of life’s hardest seasons? Visit the Spiritual Growth Hub today. Discover resources that will help you strengthen your faith, renew your perspective, and walk with God’s peace no matter what life brings.