Sometimes God gives us an opportunity to see things differently.  And whether we want to or not.

I had not planned to have some arthritis pain at an early age.  I am enjoying my grandchildren and I like to play with them.  But recently I have not been able to play running games with them.  I was so disappointed and wondering what I could do to change my physical abilities.  

I was on the bus last week and my seat was facing backwards.  I do not like sitting that way, but I began to enjoy looking at the people from a different point of view.  I could see the drivers and passengers in the cars next to the bus.  I could see their facial expressions.  I could see people walking along the road, probably going to work or on an errand.  I could see if they looked happy, sad or frustrated.  I could see people talking on their phones in animated ways.  Wow, I had been missing out on so much people information.  Lord, what is going on in their lives I began to wonder, and I even began to pray for them. Had I not been sitting in the uncomfortable position of being backwards I would have missed this.

I do not like the arthritis pain, but it gives me a new appreciation for those who live in pain daily.  That is, I can empathize with their pain and the challenges of daily activities being difficult to accomplish.    Personally, it has given me motivation to exercise in ways to improve the pain in my joints, which I hope can make a difference. Others might want to cheer me on, when they understand what I am faced with now.  

Asking to hear another’s point of view has helped me to diffuse a conflict and has helped to promote innovation, or a moving forward.  For example, I can say to someone after listening to their situation, “ I did not know you had a hard conversation today with your mother, no wonder you are frustrated with me”,  and “I see that you bring a perspective as a father into this situation, thank you.  This will help us all to serve better, “ or “Would you please tell me more about this?” I am sure you can think of many examples of questions to ask and statements that help you to understand where the other person is coming from and possibly why they are behaving the way they do.  

Jesus was often surprising in what He said and did.  Many religious leaders expected Him to be a certain way.  Jesus wanted them to understand God way beyond their own rules and expectations, so His actions were radical and thought provoking. They seemed to have forgotten that God is a God of love, mercy and understanding. Their rules drove people away rather than to God or each other. 

What about your perspective on an issue,  do you need another point of view?  Try riding in the bus sitting backwards. 😊

Circumstances may take us places we had not planned to go to, but God may give you a different point of view that will help you understand others and even empathize with them.  Understanding each other is crucial in building up the church, the body of Christ.

Philippians 2:4

Luke 5:29-32