Seeing with Perspective

I was with a group of friends last night. Maddy asked us to see things with perspective…

The word ‘Perspective’ includes ‘spect’ meaning observe… as in spectator, spectacles… Per-spective literally means ‘looking forward’… It’s about the way we see things, how they interrelate and fit together…

Musing… 4 aspects of ‘Seeing with Perspective’

Respect… Literally ‘looking backwards’.

St Paul recommended thinking about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8) The people who I’ve respected most had characters that showed such qualities with consistency, humility and integrity.

‘Seeing with Perspective’ includes learning through past positive experience.

Inspect… Literally ‘looking into’

My favourite story in yesterday’s paper was about Mr Alan Ralph from Chatham, Kent. Inspecting his opened can of Heinz Beans he found that it contained only juice and no beans. ‘Alan joked: Never mind No Added Sugar there were No Added Beans.’

‘Seeing with Perspective’ includes careful observation.

Suspect… Literally ‘looking under’

Jesus told his followers: ‘I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves’. (Matthew 10:16) He wasn’t asking for innocent naivety… seeing the world through rose tinted spectacles… thinking that all is sweetness and light.

‘Seeing with Perspective’ includes an honest grip of reality.

Expect… Literally ‘looking out from’

Yesterday Prime Minister, Liz Truss, announced her senior ministers. In coming days she will explain her policies and plans. Many will have expectations… addressing and solving current problems regarding inflation and energy bills… moving forward with resolution and hope.

‘Seeing with Perspective’ includes looking forward so that we can move forward

Musing… At school I wasn’t good at art. I’m still not. Our art teacher, John Bleach, taught us to draw with perspective… recognising those things that were close and those that were distant… observing the detail, understanding reality, standing back and seeing the big picture.

John Bleach had skill in art perspective; I’m seeking skill in faith and life perspective.