Putting things into perspective

I was reading a book titled ‘A Bundle of Laughs’ when I came upon this article about putting things into perspective, and it made me stop and think about how often we get impatient with folks, not knowing their circumstances.

‘Heavenly Father, help us to remember that the idiot who cut us up in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can’t cope with change is a worried 19 year old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next term.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary-looking homeless man (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slowly through the supermarket aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savouring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she had back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not just to those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive and show patience, empathy and love’.

Love and blessings to you all,
Penny