Perspective

It is once again that time of year. The time where school supplies are being rounded up, new wardrobes are likely being considered, and bedtimes will soon be more strictly enforced. The roads around town may be a little more crowded and the out of town travel plans begin to slow down. So, what is your view of this time of year? Do you look forward to it? Do you dread it with every fiber of your being? Is it even on your radar?

It is all about perspective isn’t it? Much like considering other events, holidays or seasons of the year, everyone has a different view of why they love it or hate it. Some would call Christmas season the most wonderful time of the year. Their memories of Christmas are warm and fuzzy—time for family and friends and hot cups of cocoa. Others may dread Christmas. It is a time that loss seems harder to manage or the time of year that they feel the most alone as other people gather with families.

I love vacationing with my family but for me there are more concerns than there are for them. My kids don’t have to be concerned about the hotel and food bill. The little ones don’t have to worry with getting up early in the morning to carry the stuff to the beach in order to reserve the spot. They simply hop in the car and roll to the beach with excitement. They wake up when they want to, dig in the sand, splash in the water, and return to the hotel with a smile.

And so it is with this part of the year. For those who have yet to enter the parenting world or for those who have grown children, you may not even think about that school is starting back in a few short days. For those with kids at home that have been loud and rambunctious all summer, leaving parents frazzled, it might be a welcomed break. For teachers and students it may be a mix of excitement and anxiety. It all depends on the perspective.

Your perspective hinges on your experiences. If your experiences of school are good then excitement will likely follow. If school work is difficult for you or friendships haven’t been easy then school will bring feels of angst and dread. This same concept can apply to the teachers and the parents that are sending the kids back to school. Some parents have enjoyed summer with kids while others have to deal with the possible stress of childcare. Some teachers are moving into new territories this school year which may bring a spectrum of feelings.

So, the simple point is this: Give grace to other people. We all see and experience events and situations through our own personal lens. Be careful not to assume that everyone else is seeing it like you. Be aware of others’ feelings. Ask them if there are ways you can help them feel more comfortable. It is great for you to be excited but just understand that others may be struggling in the environment in which you thrive.

Giving grace and paying attention to their needs is just another small way that we can let Jesus live through us. He found ways to see and connect to people who came from a variety of background and experiences. They usually came away from the interaction with Jesus feeling as though He understood them and their struggles. Let’s give grace. Let’s be like Jesus.

Ben