THE POWER OF GOOD PERSPECTIVES
There is a compelling scene in the movie, "Dead Poet's Society", where the teacher played by Robin Williams stands up on his desk and asks his students why he is doing so. "To look taller." one student offers. To which Williams replies, "No, to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way. You see, the world looks different from up here. You don't believe me? Come see for yourselves. C'mon." The boys proceed to take him up on his invitation and each, in turn stand upon his desk to see the room from a new perspective.​
I took this picture this fall while elk hunting with my son Michael. We are at tree line - meaning the place on the mountain where trees have their final foothold, just able to survive the winds and winters. This is one of my "desk tops". A place that calls me to see things differently - more clearly. This Bristlecone Pine has seen many, many winds and winters.
I have, in my office, a small piece of bristlecone pine. On it I have counted and marked the rings that correspond with Mike's life span (black pin - 30 years), my life span (orange pin - 63 years), my dad's life span (blue pin - 90 years). If you take this piece and compare it to the size of the tree Mike is standing by...well, I think you get the idea.
"...What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:4 ESV).
A question the shepherd, hunter, warrior, king David asked. It is a good question, born of one who is seeing from a good perspective. He (David) has looked up and around and seen God, himself, and life more clearly. And I will be audacious enough to say that I think he is a better man because of it.
I encourage you to take time where you are to get "up on a desk". See the world and yourself differently. See not just the problems and realities of your surroundings and circumstances but see Jesus.
"Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. BUT WE SEE HIM..." (Hebrews 2:8b-9a)
Things look differently to me when I see Jesus and then see everything else in His light.
I also encourage you to plan your visit Uplift Mountain. This is a place prepared for good perspectives and the movement they inspire. Come see for yourself.