Perspective: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view
This morning while eating breakfast, my son Tristan started telling me about a friend of his in his class. Now I am used to him telling me about the friends he has in school, but this morning caught my attention more than normal because he was giving me personal information about this friend’s parents. As he spoke I had to realize all things in life is all about perspective.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Tristan started to tell me that his friend told him that his parents were not together. He said his friend’s mom lived about ten minutes away from his dad. He also said that his friend’s mom had a new boyfriend and he was not sure if he liked him or not. Now, Tristan then goes on to tell me that he asked him why his parents were not together anymore. He told his friend that parents are supposed to be together, married. The look on his face was priceless when he told me this. He was very confused as to why his adult parents were no longer together. And he told me his friend did not know either. I then had to ask him, how his friend felt about his parents being separated and dating other people. He told me he did not ask that question. I had to laugh because I forgot this was not meant to be that deep of a conversation between 8-year old’s.
“And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,” Ephesians 4:23
I had to smile at Tristan because his perspective on life is quite sheltered and comfortable. And this is a beautiful thing because there are many of us not living the ideal home life at this time. There are many of us, Christians and Non-Christians struggling to maintain a pleasant and drama free home for ourselves and our children. I could only remember that I did not have the same perspective that he has when I was growing up. My parents were not together and both dated other people. My perspective was that that was normal and in no way, did it disturb the rhythm of my home. But listening to Tristan as he described the conversation with his friend, that sounded to be quite confused and a little hurt, it put me in the position to have to talk to him about different types of household perspectives. Have you had to shift your perspective recently?
We all have different perspectives on everything from relationships, religion, finances, and family. Many of us find it very hard to understand and share different perspectives with one another. My son and his friend are still friends today even though they both have a different perspective on mom and dad relationships. His friend felt comfortable enough to talk with my son about something very personal and my son felt very comfortable in asking all the why questions. But in the end, both were able to gain a different outlook on each other. As Believers, we must be able to come together with all our different perspectives. And just because we may worship or express our faith differently, does not mean we do not have an important role to play.
Lastly, I challenge you this week to take a chance at a different perspective. Talk to someone totally unlike yourself and see if both of you can reach common ground. We are not here to judge but to love one another just as Christ first loved us. We have differences that help the kingdom to grow and thrive despite how times change. Many wars and struggles occur only because we never take the time to listen to a different perspective. You do not know how a fresh idea may help you have more success in the long run. It’s all about perspective. Why not update it today? You got this!
Sincerely,
Terryn
MODERN FAITHERELLA 