I have a two word definition for perspective: Getting it!

Perspective is the moment you gain a certain insight, an outlook into life because of what someone says or because of something that happens.

Take the picture above, for example, it reminds me that life is not always about the things you have but about the times you have with those you love. I get it!

We went to visit my brother Hector and his family in Houston, Texas several years ago. His new house was huge (everything’s bigger in Texas). It had very high ceilings, and in the backyard a beautiful lawn with a privacy fence, a pool, and a jacuzzi. The house had a big kitchen, a theater room upstairs with a huge screen and a booming sound system. It also had a game room. The place was awesome!

We had a great time with him and his family but when we returned home and I walked back into our house I thought, “Man, I wish I had a house like his.” 

Our home was built in 1960 and it’s kind of small but it’s been our happy home for many years. However it is nothing like my brother’s picture perfect house.

A couple of years later Hector and his family came down for a visit. In one of our conversations his wife said to me, “I wish our house like yours.” Perspective!

In ministry its easy to get caught up in numbers and size of church. And, as the average church in America is small, ministers often wish for bigger and better (me included). Guilt also plays a part in the mind of the man of God as he wonders where he has failed to accomplish what others have.

That kind of thinking also plagues people of all walks of life and careers. We have bought into the mentality that others have it better than us and that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But is it really?

I’ve heard it said that bigger things give bigger headaches. Allow me to offer you a new outlook on life.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, especially over the septic tank. Perspective!The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, especially over the septic tank. Perspective! Click To TweetSome years ago I was frustrated that our congregation had not grown like others. I felt like everything I did was like hitting my head against the wall. Then at a conference I heard a pastor of a mega-church say that his happiest days in ministry had happened in a church where the membership was not even 300. Perspective!

If you’re in ministry keep in mind that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Even if you don’t get to see the results you want down here never forget that God’s reward for you will be mind blowing up there.

If you’re not in ministry keep in mind that your faithfulness to the Lord will reap treasures in heaven far beyond your understanding. The apostle Paul wrote,

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1Corinthians 2:9 NLT) Perspective!

The old story of a missionary coming home from a lifetime of service applies. His ship was about to hit harbor back in the states. Aboard was also government official. Upon arrival at port there was a band playing music for the dignitary. There confetti everywhere and people holding ‘Welcome Home’ signs. As the old missionary walked passed it all he was saddened and thought, “Lord, there’s a great big party for that man. I have served you faithfully these last 40 years and there’s not even one person waiting for me to say “Welcome home.” Then a voice within reminded him, “My child, you’re not home yet.” Perspective!

Can you share a time when your eyes were opened by perspective? Please leave me a comment.