Perspective

There was a tree in our yard that I climbed almost every day of my childhood. It wasn’t so much the tree that was important; it was the perspective it gave me. I liked the idea of looking out on the world and seeing the bigger picture. From my tree I could see all around the house. I felt safe above it all.

I like the sign at the mall with the arrow that says, “You are here.” It is a picture that gives me visual perspective. It tells me where I am in relation to everywhere else including where I want to go from here. It would be nice if there were signs like that for life. Instead of signs we have several ways that God speaks to us to give us perspective.

God speaks to us through His Word. As we make a daily habit of reading and studying God’s Word we will often hear from God. God also speaks personally, as in a call to ministry or a specific call to minister to someone. His still small voice always agrees with scripture. The blessing comes when we agree with Him.

God also speaks through people. Friends help us see the bigger picture and give us godly advice. God places people in our lives who walk with Him and can help us on the journey. Our vision can become blocked or blurred by our circumstances and we need a friend to give us perspective and help us see ourselves the way they see us.

The poet Robert Burns sat in church behind a noble lady when he noticed a louse roaming around her bonnet. As a result he penned the poem, “To a Louse,” which ends with the lines,

“And would some Power the small gift give us
To see ourselves as others see us!
It would from many a blunder free us,
And foolish notion:
What airs in dress and gait would leave us,
And even devotion!”

Sometimes I miss my Tree and the perspective I gained there. Mostly I am thankful for friends and the counsel they give. Jesus called His disciples friends, (John 15:13-14). Call a friend today and be thankful for the gift God gave you through them.

Bro. Robin