Perspective

Perspective.  According to Webster, it means: 

 

per·spec·tive

   [per-spek-tiv]  Show IPA

noun

1.

a technique of depicting volumes and spatial relationships on aflat surface. Compare aerial perspective, linear perspective.

2.

a picture employing this technique, especially one in which it isprominent: an architect's perspective of a house.

3.

a visible scene, especially one extending to a distance; vista: aperspective on the main axis of an estate.

4.

the state of existing in space before the eye: The elevations lookall right, but the building's composition is a failure in perspective.

5.

the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in havinga meaningful interrelationship: You have to live here a few years

  tosee local conditions in perspective.

This speaks of distance and the physical relationship of one object to another.  I supposed I could use this to put relational importance on my problems as compared to those around me.  

Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own thinking and surviving that we forget about others.  Our problems become huge, in our minds, because we have nothing to compare them to.  

My house is a wreck.  That is a huge problem for me but unless something reminds me, I forget that there are others out there who have no house.  That puts my problem into perspective.

I have a cold and it sucks and for me, in this moment, it's about all I can think of.  And then--something reminds me.  I have friends who have loved ones who may not make it through the night.  I have friends who have lost loved ones recently.  Puts my cold into perspective.

I have had several reminders today that as large as I may think my problems are, there are those out there who have problems much worse than mine.  Puts my stuff into perspective.  Finding perspective gets me to grateful.  Getting to grateful gives me grace.  Grace gives me strength and strength gives me courage which helps me examine my perspective

And spun from that circle is peace.  

Today, I have peace and all that goes with it.  Tomorrow will bring a new perspective.