Perspective

While our new home, Billings, MT, is the largest city in a 500-mile radius, it seems smallish to us since we’ve lived in larger cities such as San Antonio, TX and Phoenix, AZ. Yet, when we’ve explored into the areas surrounding Billings, I can see why it is considered the “big” city. Not too far away are ranches that cover miles more than a typical town, and bouquets of mailboxes that indicate several houses but… I don’t see them. It boggles my mind how much land is out here, uninhabited save for a herd of cattle or bison.

So Billings being a “big” town is a complete matter of perspective.

And really, who cares whether it qualifies as a big or small town?

But what happens when perspective means life or death?

Have you ever sat across the table from a friend who knows her days are numbered because of a terminal disease? That when breakfast is over and you part ways, you might not see her again this side of Heaven?

I have. Recently. And let me tell you, it’s a perspective changer.

The most remarkable thing about the time we spent over breakfast was that instead of being the encourager, I ended up receiving a far greater blessing listening to her perspective on life. She glowed with all the things humans usually try to hide for pride’s sake – truth, honesty, love, gratitude. If something needed said, she said it. For her. no second goes wasted. I detected abundance and exuberance and peace.

My petty complaints about life circumstances shriveled into insignificance.

What if death smiled at you every day over breakfast?

Would you forgo saying ‘I love you’ because you’re running late for work?

Would you ignore destructive behavior in a loved one because you don’t want to seem judgmental?

Would you scorn someone for not thinking or acting the same way you do?

Would you turn a blind eye when you see a need?

Would you harbor bitterness or jealousy or malice?

Would you withhold forgiveness because you’re holding too tightly to a grudge?

Would you deny a second chance to someone who’s wronged you?

Yea. Me neither.

This week, consider your perspective.