Life is reminding me of an old truth. As thoroughly and completely as I might understand a moment from my perspective, my view is woefully incomplete. It should not be used indiscriminately, without seeing and understanding the viewpoints of others who are part of the moment.
Partial views are often the foundation of poor decisions and incorrect conclusions. Blaming the person who bumps into you when s/he was pushed by another and was unable to avoid what followed, is not helpful. My thirst for resolve uncertainties and reach a quick conclusion, is not helped by ignoring the whole story. At my best, I stop myself reaching for the easy answer. Taking a slow, deep breath following by a long exhale reminds my physical and mental being to look for what I have not seen.
Responding to others without seeing through their eyes is like swinging at an adversary in the dark. It may feel good, however your chance of hitting your target is low. When old characters rested their instruments, “that’s where our captors demanded songs, sarcastic and mocking: “Sing us a happy Zion song!” (Psalm 137.3). As easy as it is to be caught up in the moment, did the victims consider how their squandering acts for years had led to the situation they found themselves in? Seeing the whole view is more than adding other viewpoints to my own. The whole view has a historical context. The lessons of the moment often began with old decisions and actions.
Acting in context of the past can lead to lost opportunities in the present. A recent expression of frustration was also a cry for help. I had two options. I could respond to the frustration, defending my innocence, or I could response to the cry for help with care and kindness. In the stress of the choice, I found myself reaching to the values I hold closest to my heart. On this day, a good choice was made.
As much as I think life solely revolves around me, I love the truth of being with others.
