Finding a New Perspective

          We’ve  just purchased a home and we’re already adjusting quite well to our new environment.  As we were considering the purchase, I looked up from the basement and noticed the tongue and groove flooring.  Before moving in, we removed some of the carpet and found a beautifully finished oak flooring.  In the hallway there was some water damage, so we decided to cover it with carpeting.   There were a few squeaks which I decided to repair by anchoring the flooring with screws.  Finding the floor joists was a problem.  After several unsuccessful attempts I decided to go to the basement and look up.  I drilled a hole an inch from one of the joists, and inserted a long screw which became visible from upstairs.  By measuring from that point I located the joists and found the rest which were 16 inches apart. 

      A helpful comment from a friend or colleague can help us see something from a different perspective.  As I was about to begin my career as a teacher, our superintendent of schools admonished me with these words, “What a student does with a horn or a ball is less important than what the horn or ball does for the student.”    Throughout my career his comment served as a reminder that we’re building lives in addition to music or athletic skills. 

            As leaders we needed to consider how those who follow might view our efforts.  I would like to share a personal experience that relates to this.  A number of years ago when I was a fulltime worship pastor, we had a guest musician who included in his repertory the familiar hymn, “My Jesus, I Love Thee.”  As he sang the final stanza, “In mansions of glory and endless delight….” four older members of our congregation stood with hands and hearts uplifted.  As a rather young worship pastor, 42 years of age, I realized that my repertory of songs had not included songs on the theme of heaven.  Because of my rich heritage of hymns and my appreciation of scripture-based contemporary songs, I thought I was providing a balanced repertory of songs.  This was a teachable moment for me.

            In closing I admonish all of us to consider a different perspective.  When we see a young person whose dress or mannerisms seem to bother us, let’s remember, “That’s someone’s son or daughter.”