Changing perspectives alters goals

Looking at things through the eyes of God is different than seeing them with the vision of humans. I was astonished by an insight shared recently by someone in our Bible study group. It was proof that it's not in what we participate that makes the difference, rather it's the purpose of the actions.

The study group has been gathering regularly for some years. Although we often travel slowly in covering material, we gain immeasurable benefits from what and how God speaks to us as we attempt to find meaning in the events of our lives. In this particular instance, we were discussing the natural beauty in the world. We talked about the awesome configurations and colors present in the sky and how no human artist could compare with the beauty God produces and paints.

I heard a voice from the other end of the room. Jack, a member of the group who retired early from his full-time job, spoke up.

"I now identify with even growing flowers differently than before," he said. Since his retirement, Jack had sought to become closer to God and find more meaning in his life. We asked him why this was so. "Well," he said with a chuckle, "I grew up on a farm and anything that couldn't be eaten I saw little sense in growing."

Jack continued his story by telling about a person wanting to stop working early so he could work in his flower garden. "Then, I couldn't understand why he would want to spend time growing something that served little purpose," Jack said. "But my eyes have since been opened and I realize there's joy to be found in planting and caring for flowers."

We wondered what had suddenly caused the change in his outlook. Jack said since his relationship with God, everything has changed. He looks at everything differently. Rather than considering growing flowers as time wasted within our hectic culture today; Jack perceives God's creativity and the beauty inherent in each plant.

I pondered the insight he brought to our attention that day. It's truly awesome when you see a tiny seed planted in dirt. It turns into a seedling, growing and blossoming from a minuscule bud slowly and progressively unfolding into an art form. As Lao Tzu said, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." How can one not believe in God?

It's always beneficial to hear others' stories, so I continued to listen for other fresh insights in Jack's present outlook. "I also regard fishing other that I once did," he said. "I used to go fishing to see how many fish I could catch and how large. Now I fish to look at the beauty within mind-boggling scenery and notice the breeze in the air. I look at the waves and the beautiful blue and green water. I gaze at the remarkable patterns in the sky. But most of all I enjoy sitting in the boat or on the bank and simply experiencing God's peace. This is often where God speaks to me -- in the quiet of nature."

Hearing Jack's explanation of how his changing perspective altered his goals reinforced my faith and awe at what God can accomplish. Genuinely experiencing God in everything makes life a constant adventure. James Russell Lowell said, "Good heavens, of what uncostly material is our earthly happiness composed ... If we only knew it. What incomes have we not had from a flower, and how unfailing are the dividends of the seasons." It is indeed true that if you change your perspectives you will alter your goals -- and your life.

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction and provides spiritual direction to people at WHERE.