Monday, February 02, 2009

A Different Angle

Troy is 4 1/2. This morning he asked me for a piece of paper, found himself a pencil, and settled in at the table to draw a picture. Several minutes later he came to me with his drawing. I have to admit I wasn't quite sure what to say. I don't ever want to make a budding artist feel foolish or let him know I have no clue as to what he has drawn. I saw some big googly eyes and smiling faces and so commented to him on that. He smiled and looked at the drawing. He hadn't been drawing faces at all. The problem was I had been looking at the picture from the wrong perspective. When I turned it over, I saw the drawing in a whole new way.

I have recently been discussing some Bible issues with a friend. We both agree that only one of us can be right and therefore have also agreed, once again, not to discuss the issues. I must admit, it is a hard thing to avoid, but I will do my best because I really do love her and I value the friendship we have built through the years. I know she will likely read this, I post it here only because it is one of the many thoughts I have had swirling through my mind this past weekend and this is where I often post my ponderings. The discussion has sent me back to the pages of scripture, back to prayer, and back to checking my motives for sharing my faith.

Funny thing about Troy's drawing, the first time I looked at it I didn't see cars at all, just circles and lines. Right side up the cars are obvious, but now, even when it's turned upside down, I still see cars. I guess the Bible can be that way too. No matter which way I turn it, I still see Jesus, God come in the form of a man.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Martha! I just read all your recent posts - looks so cold and wintry there. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I too find it difficult where there is a topic that is "taboo" between friends. I like your new banner - that's a great picture.

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  2. It is very hard to agree to disagree without being disagreeable. I think it is especially hard for my husband and I can see how hurt he gets. His families views are very differnt from our own. I think you are wise to value your friendship. One of my friends post on her blogs are so different from mine and sometimes I do frustarted reading hers but I don't comment often because I value our freindship.

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  3. By nature I am a demonster-ative defender of my opinions. Letting go isn't easy for me. It use to be my way or the hyway. Carl and T. have worked hard at "correcting" this. I have started practicing taking a deep breath and "zip my lip". I choke sometimes, but I am getting better.

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  4. Really, really cool! (And a reminder of why humility is an important characteristic God wants us to have!)
    Cindy W

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  5. Great illustration of perspective! I love Troy's cars!

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  6. I thought it was a family... It's amazing what you can see when you take on a new perspective.

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  7. I saw the cars even with it upside down :P Must be because I used to draw cars too.

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