Perspective...

Do you see the frog in this picture?














Do you see the horse in this picture?

It's the same picture just turned a different way! How can that be? It's quite amazing no matter how many times I see it. How can a picture of a frog suddenly look like a horse by a simple rotation?

Weeks ago my sister and I had a conversation about perspective. As we talked, this picture of the frog and the horse came to mind. I thought about how it compares to the perspective we each have.

We each view our experiences from our own perspective -- we come with our own set of "glasses". Depending on how we rotate the picture some of us see the frog, some of us see the horse. Or perhaps some see neither.

I believe it is that same with our lives.....

Every life has its trials and challenges, its problems and disappointments. It would be so nice for certain parts of life to have an "opt out clause" -- you know, a place where you can say "I don't agree to that part of the deal -- take that out!" We could just pick what parts we wanted and what parts we didn't. Life would be good then, wouldn't it?! ...or would it?

I began to wonder what I would opt out of. What experiences would I decide held so little value that I would conclude I could do without? What experience hasn't taught me anything of worth in the span of my years?

My answer to that is that there was nothing in my life that I would take a pass on. Even the most disagreeable of ordeals in my life have still shaped me and molded me into who I am and who I continue to become. And by the very fact that I have come through other soul-trying experiences in my life is what helps me with the next challenge. Because I know I survived things before I also know I can do it again! Our life experiences will teach us if we allow it -- if we don't kick and scream and constantly fight against what is. While we all have challenges and trials, we don't all view them with the same perspective. I like to think of trials as opportunities for growth!

As much as I've thought about it, I cannot figure out what makes the difference in the varying attitudes and perspective. I don't know what shapes us to be pessimistic verses being optomisitc. I do not know WHAT makes one person look on trails and adversity as stepping stones to something more in life verses looking at life like they fell in a well and will never see daylight. What makes the difference? I do not know.

What I do know is if my life is looked at one way it looks like adversity reigns but if looked at another way there are rich blessings....all by simple rotation.

Psalms 31:7
"I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities"