Perspective Sometimes Means Everything

One day a man walked into the bakery and as a little doorbell chimed the attendant came over. There was a man looking straightforward and he began to ask questions about each item. The attendant tried to be patient as the man continued to ask detailed descriptions of each pastry. In frustration the attendant said, “could you please order.” She was aggravated and frustrated that one order had to taken so long. The gentleman walked over to the check out counter, slowly he glided one hand along the counter and with the other hand he had a walker stick. The attendant let out a little gasp, and said under her breath, “oh my goodness he's blind”. 

We can never fully know the lives of others and what they go through.  We often see life only through our own personal lens. Sometimes I complain about back pains until I see a person in a wheelchair. We at time complain about corrupt politicians and the challenges of Canada, then I hear about the recent Christian martyrs in Africa. Also, the many Bishops and priest found in exile or jail in Nicaragua because of opposition against a dictator. This is a country where I lived for 20 years. At times we are disgruntled at a lesser than perfect health system until we visited another country and realize they have no Health System. 

We do live in an imperfect world, but as imperfect as it is, we can begin to accept and appreciate the things that we do have. Such as our personal health, freedom, health benefits, shopping conveniences, comfortable homes, and family and friends that care and love us. Having a proper perspective helps us to choose our attitudes wisely. 

An existentialist would say, one person in prison looked out at night and saw the prison bars of steal, well the other prisoner looked out of his window and gazed upon the stars of night and gave God glory. I'm not saying that we can't be realists and talk about the truth of life and even our own challenges, although perspective can offer hope, appreciation, empathy, a new focus, and a life-giving plan. 

Katherine Wolf who suffered devastating massive stroke about 15 years ago stated, “God can use my deepest wounds to bring healing to the world”. In her overwhelming challenges she doesn’t focus on all the what ifs of life, instead she embraces the life that she has been give, even stating, “What if God spared me from a perfect life. What if this is the life God chose for me.” Can we find treasures in the valleys or the dark places of life? Many of the great works of faith don’t happen on the mountain tops but in the valleys of life where Christ enters the heart of our suffering and transforms it through grace, Godly wisdom, hope and gives us new life a perspective. 

Invite the Lord into the most challenging places in your life and see your suffering through the eyes of faith. Jesus in the suffering creates a new person, with a renewed hope. 

Philippians 1:6 “God began a good work in you. And I am sure that he will carry it on until it is completed.”

By: Lindsay P. Heier