It's All A Matter of Perspective

This photograph was taken yesterday afternoon in my backyard near sunset.  How different this photograph is from the one I posted previously of the very same area!  That's right, believe it or not, both of these photographs were taken in my backyard from about the same viewing spot.

What we see is a matter of perspective, isn't it?

We all know people whose lives have been filled with tragedy, but yet their faces are filled with softness and even sweetness.  They seem to view life from the perspective of blessing and thanksgiving.  Ask them how they're doing?  More often than not, they'll give you a smile and maybe even a testimony!

Conversely, we also know people who have experienced hardship and that hardness is reflected on their faces.  They seem to view life from the perspective of lack.  Ask them how they're doing and you might get a scowl with rolling eyes as an answer!  Or worse, a litany of complaints!

The reality is that each of us has suffered and known hardships.  Each of us has faced tragedy and learned to deal with hard knocks.  No one is exempt.
But how we choose to deal with those hardships and tragedy is a choice we make daily for the rest of our lives.

I admire people who have suffered greatly, recovered, and instead of chronically complaining about their hardships, quietly reach out to help someone else who is suffering.  These are our wounded healers who make such a difference in the world, bringing light and healing to many.  Bill W who founded Alcoholics Anonymous taught his followers that the way to maintain sobriety is to reach out to help another alcoholic.  I've experienced that truth in my life.  When I reach out to help someone else, somehow my own healing and compassion penetrate deeper and open avenues into new beginnings.  

How we respond to the circumstances of our life is a matter of choice.  Our choices can become etched on our faces and even define us as we age.

What is your perspective on the bad things that have happened in your life?