Perspective. It can change everything. In the world of art, perspective turns a basic drawing into a realistic, three-dimensional scene that pulls you in. In life, it transforms a gloomy, Eeyore-like trudge through life’s disappointments into a journey filled with peace and joy. And as Christians, we have every reason to see life from the best possible angle.
Here’s a quick art history nugget: back in the 15th century, artists figured out how to use vanishing points to add depth to their paintings. Sure, we had this knowledge earlier, maybe even as far back as the 1st and 5th centuries, but somehow it got lost for a while. Either way, perspective made everything more real on canvas, just as it does in our daily lives.
So, what is perspective, really? It’s how we look at things, how we view one moment in relation to the bigger picture. It’s our own special lens on life, and it’s something no one can take from us—or give to us, for that matter. Perspective is ours to shape.
It’s deeper than the old “glass half full or half empty” debate. Perspective is nuanced. It gives us room to be creative, to see things in new ways, and even to influence how we feel. And yes, it can be changed, but we have to decide to change it.
Now, that doesn’t mean we should all start practicing “Pollyanna-ism.” You know the type: folks who try to find sunshine in every storm. Frankly, that can be a little unsettling and unrealistic. Instead, it’s about remembering the good even when life feels bad.
One perspective we should adopt is that of being grateful. We’ve seen study after study about how being grateful is good for our mental and physical health. (Just Google gratitude journaling, and you’ll see what I mean.) But for Christians, the idea of giving thanks goes way back. Remember Paul’s words to the Thessalonians? “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” There it is, plain and simple: we’re called not only to be grateful but to give thanks.
And to whom should we be thankful? First and foremost, to God. Every blessing, big or small, comes from Him. But let’s not forget the people around us—those who help us out of love or even duty. Saying “thank you” shows appreciation and love, another thing we’re called to share.
Our perspective as Christians is a gift. We see life differently because of God’s grace and Jesus’ love. Our story doesn’t end in defeat because, through Christ, we’re made right with God. Whatever life throws our way, we’ve got the promise of God’s love, now and forever. If that doesn’t put things in perspective, I don’t know what does.
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Additional reading:
1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV).
Romans 11:36
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