Differing Perspectives
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
A chilly May Saturday morning Jay, my husband, our son Jared and I set out for a round of golf. We were greeted with wind, cloudy skies and a steady drizzle of rain. Being a fair weathered golfer I made up my mind. I’ll give this fifteen minutes on the course and if the conditions don’t improve, I am out of here. Immediately I started thinking about a project or tasks at home that could occupy my morning if the guys played on.
As we stepped onto the first tee box I noticed how differently Jared and I were dressed. Myself in three layers and feeling chilly while he was dressed as if it were 75 degrees and sunny! He was comfortable since his perspective was formed by living in Boston.
The difference in golf apparel we were sporting led me to ponder something. Perspectives on mental health issues and their remedies differ greatly even within the same family. The same experiences connected to mental illness are processed radically different by individuals and we form beliefs that differ. These differing beliefs drive our behavior. Jay and I often have had different beliefs on our experiences and what remedies or treatment should be sought out. This has been a root of stress as we live with the effects of mental illness within our family.
Today there are still many different perspectives about the seriousness of Covid-19. The reality of our perspective does drive our behavior. The extreme differences in how my family and friends are coping with COVID-19 intrigues me. This realization should move me to express more grace with the different perspectives that exist toward mental illness.
A biblical example is the story in Numbers chapter 13, which describes a beautiful land yet heavily guarded. The Lord led Moses to send 12 spies to explore the land of Cannan. Those sent to view the land and gather information journeyed together and made observations based on their view of the same environment. As the story unfolds, only Caleb and Joshua believed they could overtake the land based upon what they saw and experienced.
“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it”
Numbers 13:30 (NIV)
They had a different perspective than the others; they embraced courage and a strong faith in the Lord. This affected their behavior, which ultimately led them into the promised land (albeit many years later).. Joshua and Caleb surely were baffled by the different opinions of the opposing 10 spies just as I am regarding COVID -19 or decisions about mental illness within our family. Accepting another's perspective, without giving up yours, can be a step towards peaceful and unified living. This can be difficult when a loved one suffers from mental illness. Setting our minds on the Lord, His faithfulness and wisdom provides the encouragement we need. In doing so, we are better able to see Him at work in our lives and open our perspective. When we take our perspective to the Lord and set our minds on Him, not the circumstance we are living, we will find He is with us and He goes before us. He is able to take our differing perspectives of mental health experiences and use them for our good. This happens when we seek Him, pray and keep our minds on Him. For me this starts each morning in the stillness and quiet, with my Bible in hand and my mind ready to be set on Him for that day.
As it turned out the weather brightened up, temps rose and we enjoyed the golf game. Let's keep an open perspective and set our minds on the Lord and allow Him to be a valuable part living with mental illness.
