Bend don’t break. It will give you new perspective.
(Picture by Jonathan E.)

There is a person at the center that I work for, who has been coming to see us for several years now. My encounter with said person always leaves me feeling, a little frustrated. Why? Because it is clear this person is not compliant in doing what is in his/her best interesting. Yet, if they want something, it must be given NOW. It’s for me almost like dealing with an unruly child. Right about now you’re thinking this whole post will be me ragging on someone with cancer. Well, you’re wrong. God knocked me down a couple notches today, and taught me the importance of not judging based on “my” perception…heck don’t judge at all. Today this person came for a check up, and as soon as I encountered them my prejudices affected my attitude (on the inside). However, at some point during our encounter my thought pattern went from: “This is how I see you” to “This is who you really are”. How did that happen? I listened. Simple, huh? After hearing their story I could see  why this person found it hard to be complaint. I don’t agree with the choices being made, but I can understand and empathize. I saw life as they knew it and NOT as I assumed it to be. Perception is always 100%. However, that 100% could be (and most times is) a 100% wrong. We can’t view another person through the lens of “us”, we’ll see it wrong every time. What would this world look like if we ALL took the time to see and hear the other person’s perspective? If nothing else we’d have less misunderstandings, and maybe a little more compassion.

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:17-18).

So what’s my plan of attack? Stop assuming my perception is correct.