Perspectives

I’ve always been fascinated by different perspectives. Is the dress blue or gold? Is the picture of an old or young women? The list goes on and on…..

Perspectives are shaped by our experiences good and bad. Sometimes our perspectives are so engrained in us that we begin to think they are the facts. Perspectives often lead to judging each other. In my journey I have learned that some of my perspectives are actually hurting me and others! I’ve had to take a long hard look in the mirror. Here are two Perspectives that I’m embarrassed to admit but ones that have shaped and altered my interactions, for way too long.

1. Wealthy People are Mean: My mom was a stay at home mom of four girls. I’m not sure how they paid the bills with one paycheck. I went to school with “Country Club people” who made fun of my beat up Buster Browns, my style in clothes and things out of my control. I never understood. Meanwhile I was living in chaos and the last of my worries was my pants. They never saw me! I have struggled with making snapped decisions on “wealthy people”. In seconds of meeting I decide that they are snooty. I let my perspective get in the way and assume that they will be mean, judgmental and not understanding.
2. Apologizes don’t mean anything: I’ve always hated the words I’m sorry. I’m sorry has followed, so many things. So many things that were repeated over and over……. A sorry gives that person in the wrong the ability to feel better, I don’t want them to feel better. Especially when they are just going to do it again. It’s not okay!

Both of these perspectives are wrong! Both of these perspectives are based on the past and not current situations. Our perspectives are often very selfish and based on our past. A true perspective is formed when you are able to look at all angles.

In my journey I’ve had to gut check myself. I’ve gone through phases in my life where I have been focused on my pain so much that I’ve forgotten to think of others. (Can’t fix anything until you look in the mirror) My perspectives are wrong! My perspectives are selfish!

Instead of making quick judgements….. Instead of being selfish.. Instead of seeing things from my perspectives. I need to retrain my brain….

On my Facebook feed today I read this quote: “Lord, empty me of ME so I can be filled with you”. If… I am so focused on me and my perspectives I can’t grow closer to God.

Lord I pray tonight that you help me fight the urge to rely on my faulty perspectives. I pray that I let others see you in me! I pray that when I make mistakes that I don’t let my faults eat away at me, that I use them as stepping stones to grow closer to you!

Am I done growing and changing? NO NOT ME!