A Matter of Perspective

There are always three sides to every story: your side, the other side, and the truth.  

(Anon)

Sign in Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto ON

We are self-centred by nature and even the most unselfish person of our acquaintance is likely to take offence if their point of view is ridiculed. Grandma always told me that people who never disagreed lacked intelligence. But it is possible to hold to your own opinions and convictions and also see the perspective of someone else. The person with the ability to see the big picture through eyes other than their own is very wise indeed.

I bought a new camera last month (justified by selling my older one to my dad). I was sitting in my car on a street in downtown Toronto last week waiting for my daughter. The sky was dull and gray and the neighbourhood was less than inspiring. I set the camera to the "fish-eye effect" and took a picture of graffiti on the shop next to the car. The change in perspective made the picture much more interesting.  Across the road, a young man from a company called Graffiti 911 was using a high pressure water hose to clean the wall of a pharmacy. The store owners were unhappy with the spray painted words, but another person was earning a living because it was there to remove. The "fish-eyed effect" pictures show two different ways of looking at graffiti.

It appears that the world is becoming more polarized as people with opposing views refuse to make any effort to bridge differences in order to dialogue with people who have a different perspective. It saddens and frustrates me to see what is happening in American politics at this time. I wonder if there is any hope that our neighbours to the south can bring the open bickering and hateful name-calling under control and promote respectful discussion and collaboration. The same problems exist in workplaces, churches and families when personal viewpoints blind us to the position of others.

The most interesting pictures are taken when a camera captures an image which is different than our usual visual perspective. I can look down and focus on the fact all the leaves have fallen from the trees or I can look up and see the blue sky and sunshine which could not penetrate the leaf cover all summer. The upward view is the more inspiring November angle in my opinion. Looking at the big picture from various vantage points opens the mind to creative possibilities and solutions which benefit us all.

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; 

then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."  

James 3:17-18