From the Pastor…    Look at Things Differently

People suffer because they are caught in their views.  As soon as we release those views, we are free and we don’t suffer anymore. — Thich Nhat Hanh

Face it, we all hold our own view of things, whether it be morality, politics, religion, finances, or the right way to load the dishwasher.  And we tend to believe that our way is the best way, or even the only way to view things.

But sometimes we are given a different angle from which to observe.  And then we dare to entertain the notion that there just might be another opinion that is valid, another way of doing it, a new approach that might work better. — If we hold tenaciously to our own view, we are limited, perhaps even captive to a small or erroneous notion and thereby suffering because we mistakenly believe that everyone else is wrong.

Looking out the window of an airplane, you can’t help but gain a new perspective on the world.  Whereas you may have felt that your home was a large space, now it looks small.  Taking in a panoramic view of thousands of homes makes you aware of all the other people out there living in their little spaces.  And we are freed up to appreciate a wider view of the world.  Traveling to other nations does the same; it gives us a new understanding of our own life-setting.

God reminds us in Isaiah 55:8-9 that: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God views everything, everywhere completely — inside and out.  

Yes, it’s okay to hold an opinion, but since you and I comprehend little, let’s be humble and flexible about it.  We are always challenged to see the world as it really is.

                          God’s best to you,     

                                   Lee