Five Minute Friday - Perspective

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Homeschool Coffee Break helps fuel this blog.

One word. Five minutes to write about it. This is the idea behind Five Minute Friday and this is today's free-writing post.

to put that into perspective
look at it from this perspective

********************

We all see things from our own perspective. Obviously! Sometimes we can make ourselves see someone else's perspective and that might change our response. As Christians we are reminded to use a biblical perspective.

I'm not an artist or a photographer, but I remember a few things about perspective when it comes to art. In a drawing, adding perspective means that the picture has some depth. You can tell which things are close up and which things are far away. It looks and feels more realistic. In photography, the perspective is the angle you're using through the viewfinder. Taking a photo of someone from a low viewpoint will show them differently than taking it from above. Zooming in for a closeup on one flower or one weed gives a whole different view than a panorama photo of the entire garden.

When we are hurting or angry or confused, it's especially hard to see from a different perspective but it's also very important. If we can see the situation from another person's viewpoint or get a big picture rather than zooming in on our limited experience, it might alter our response.

********************
All things considered, when I look at things through a wide-angle lens, we are very fortunate. We are healthy and safe, our income has remained fairly stable, we can communicate easily thanks to the technology we have. Even if we are "locked down" for another month, it will still seem like a blip in the context of years. Knowing that doesn't change the fact that we are frustrated, angry, or worried. Doesn't mean that we are okay with situations and decisions that we disagree with. It does mean that we can take a step back and think through our responses and try not to over-react; try to be wise and respectful in how we address the issues.

There's a lot I hate about the shutdown, and I won't get into it here, except to mention the aspect that bothers me the most - that too many people are willing to be mean and dare I say, hateful, towards others. Hateful words about the politicians they disagree with. Hateful accusations and wishing ill on people they disagree with. I've noticed that the face masks seem to make some feel like they can say horrid things to or about others as if we have all become dehumanized or anonymous. This is not okay. If in no other area, we need to keep a sense of perspective about people and treat others with respect and courtesy, kindness and human decency. Even if, or maybe especially if we disagree.

This post is linked at Five Minute Friday for the word prompt "Perspective".

**********

See also my related post for homeschool parents: A Cup of Coffee and a Word of Advice: Keep Your Perspective

 Don't miss a coffee break! Subscribe to Homeschool Coffee Break by Email!

 ©2006-2020 Homeschool Coffee Break. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://kympossibleblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.