Welcome to episode one of our new series, Perspective, based in large part on The Decider, a book by Andy Andrews. Spoiler alert. Most of you haven’t started reading our companion book just yet, so I’ll summarize the first two chapters. But don’t skip them. The writing is great and a joy to read.
Our companion book is a story about ordinary people facing and overcoming the tough challenges that many of us face. The story centers on one main character, Jones, an older man who carries a small suitcase wherever he goes. His super power is he seems to know just what to say when it needs to be said.
As our book begins, Andy is living under a bridge when he meets Jones. Things aren’t going well for Andy. But Jones helps Andy see a different perspective. “You ate sardines and Vienna sausages in the sand,” Jones tells the young man. “I dined on surf and turf with an ocean view.” They both ate sardines and Vienna Sausages, but that’s where Andy’s imagination ended.
Perspective isn’t an elixir that cures every ailment and circumstance. Rather, perspective helps us look at situations from a different point of view. Often, this is the beginning of a new way to deal with challenges.
Jones encourages Andy to read about other successful people and began by giving him two bibliographies to read about famous people.. Andy learns everyone faces challenges. But some overcome obstacles to reach new heights any way. And so can Andy.
In chapter two, Jones advises a married couple by helping each one gain perspective. They each thought the other had fallen out of love because their proof of love wasn’t being met. For Jan, the evidence her husband loved her was through the things he did for her. But Barry never quite got around to doing the things Jan asked him to do.
Barry craved approval from his wife. But Jan thought Barry got enough encouragement at work and didn’t see a need to pile on the compliments. So, in Barry’s mind, Jan no longer loved him the way she once did. But at least she hadn’t threatened to leave him. Until now.
After talking to Jones, who neither had ever met before, they gain a new perspective. Jan realized Barry needed her to vocalize her approval of him. And Barry now realizes the small things matter Jan asks him to do. This is how she feels loved by him. They speak the same language but different dialects and didn’t realize it. Now they have perspective.
The story of our Christians beliefs is found in scripture. And, our last series reminded us how Jesus summarized the whole of scripture as a love story. When we’re unsure. When we’re arguing over the fine points of biblical prescriptions. And, in particular, when we try to defend the indefensible using scripture, Jesus offers a different perspective to consider.
Love God and other people. It’s really that simple until we lose perspective.
Double vision is an eye disorder that causes us to see two images when there is only one. Also known as diplopia, double vision can affect one or both eyes and can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. It might be a temporary issue or a symptom of more serious health conditions.
Diplopia is actually quite common and more frequently occurs in adults over 60. Fortunately, the Cleveland Clinic reports that over 90% of cases are temporary.
Vision is an incredible gift. And when our vision is threatened, we’re understandably concerned. Our vision offers visual perspective, but when the image our brain sees differs from reality, our seeing is impaired. Millions live without sight and are able to flourish despite their lack of vision. Less than 5% were born without sight.
John’s Gospel offers a story about a man born without sight who can see after meeting Jesus. One perspective suggests this story is about Jesus healing a man’s physical blindness. But John eliminates this perspective as the primary purpose of this story.
One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see.
John 9:25
Instead, Jesus explains to His adversaries how they suffer from a more serious obstacle. They’re spiritually blind. A condition that’s much more prevalent than physical blindness.
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Pastor Tommy
Parts of our series was inspired by Leo Buscaglia. Personhood: The Art of Being Fully Human. NY: Random House,1986.
“Diplopia (Double Vision),” © Cleveland Clinic, 2024. Link.