A change in perspective = a change of view

Today I have been rereading some of my earlier posts. I am amazed at how much I have changed in the past 251 days. My perspective has become less self absorbed (which is a miracle all by itself). This post reminds me of how I use to be. It reminds me that change is not elusive. I am thankful for growth. This journey has been a real blessing.

DAY 26

This picture reminds me of a very important truth, which is … changing our perspective will change the way we view a situation. Have you ever heard the saying “Treat others how you’d like to be treated”? I would like to change that to “Treat others how THEY would like to be treated”, because how I want to be treated may not hold true for everyone else. Let me give an example. My mom right now is not feeling well, she is sick.  When she is sick she wants to be pampered. It brings her comfort and makes her feel loved because she knows that you are going out of your way for her. When I feel sick, don’t talk to me. Don’t ask me how I am doing (because it’s obvious…I am sick), I want to be left alone.  If I treated my mom the way I wanted to be treated, I would be disowned.

We have learned a very bad habit and that is to view others from the perspective of ourselves. I like this therefore you like this because, why wouldn’t you? I don’t want to do this therefore, you don’t want to do this. However, the only person who sees things the exact same as me, is me. Today I have had to check my personality several times because I kept thinking this, “Why does she need to act like this? When I’m sick I…”.  Then I remember she’s not me, she won’t react like me. I need to treat her the way she wants to be treated.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good” (Romans 12:9).

So what am I thankful for today? That I am learning to see people for who they REALLY are, and NOT for who they are in relation to  me. I am becoming less self-centered.