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It's All a Matter of Perspective
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2000
Aren't there times when you feel like you have more than your share of troubles? And during those times, doesn't it seem like you are the ONLY one with all that misery? I know that I have allowed myself in the past to occasionally slip into a pity party and wallow in my little narrow, limited perspective. Then something happens to change my perspective.
I remember a long time ago when my son, Miles, was only about 10 years old. I allowed him to ride a different bus after school to the home of our friend, Russell. Russ was a good buddy, and somewhat of a "big brother" to Miles. We checked out which bus would take him to the right area of town, where the stop was and how many houses he would have to pass before he got to the Russ' house. Everything was lined up and I felt confident there would be no problems.
That afternoon, around 4 o'clock, I was in the middle of a mess. People weren't cooperating, my desk was overloaded and I was about ready to scream. I couldn't believe everyone was being so ridiculous and petty. I mean, what was the matter with all these nerd-heads!! It was a few minutes after one more round of strife that Russell called me to ask where Miles was. I was stunned. He should have been there an hour ago.
I called the school. He wasn't there. I called our home. He wasn't there. I left work, jumped in my car and drove to Russell's. He wasn't there. My heart was racing, panic was setting in and I was beginning to shake as I drove around looking for him. I never prayed so hard in my life. I cried, I prayed and I shook. For one full hour I lived in this state as I retraced the path to and from Russell's house.
And when I finally got back to our house, I found Miles playing in the yard with his best friend, Glen. He had forgotten all about going to Russell's house, had gone home instead and then gone out to play. My relief, joy and gratitude in finding him safe washed over me like a flood. All night long I just kept hugging him saying, "thank you, thank you, thank you."
And here's what's interesting. During that entire time, I never ONCE thought about those difficult people at work. In fact, when I went back to work the next day, they didn't seem so difficult, after all! I told them what happened and they seemed to share my same relief and gratitude that Miles was OK.
Well, I'm sure you get the bottom line, here. It's really all a matter of perspective, isn't it?
A friend of mine shared this with me, and I would like to share it with you...
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the following is something to ponder... If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week. If you never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world. If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare, even in the United States. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful...you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not. If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder...you are blessed because you can offer a healing touch. If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving.
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Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.
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