Daily Wisdom 01-05-2002 Perceptions

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Perceptions

Heather and Ray had a small disagreement. In Heather's view, a statement Ray made lacked tact, yet, in Ray's view, he saw nothing wrongin his blunt retort. If truth be known, Ray tended to think Heather far too sensitive of a creature, and when he later apologized, it was more to make peace, than to admit any actual wrongdoing on his part. In like manner, Heather's perception of Ray was that, although generally a nice guy, he seemed to have little patience with the imperfections of others."I think we bring out the worst in each other," stated Heather in jest to Ray. "Not unlike most marriages," quipped Ray as he smiled wryly. The two friends chuckled and another small wound was yet again healed.In my opinion, perceptions have been given a bad name. When we simply can't see the possible error of our own ways, it is easy to place blame on personal perceptions, rather than to ponder the possibility of our own human frailties. We say things like,"I did not mean it that way! That was YOUR perception!" What this statement implies is that the other person's conclusion is somehow less valid because we know we are right. We MAY be right, but it DOES matter how our words and actions are interpreted or perceived by others because all people we encounter are not mind-readers who know our innermost thoughts or intentions exactly. That honor is reserved for our self and our Creator.

Perceptions, be they valid or not, ARE significant, because they reflect the genuine feelings of the person expressing their view, thus allowing us to know how our words and actions are affecting another human being.Mary and William were married for twenty years. However, the last six years of those twenty, were filled with frustration, fear, and unhappiness of both. Every fight seemed to begin the same way. Mary would reflect on the times, earlier in their marriage, when William would be more openly romantic and attentive, and now he seemed to have lost interest. Facing this frustrated Mary, and made her react bitterly toward William.Mary perceived William's lack of romantic attention as being a lack of love, thus causing Mary to emotionally pull away from William. The truth of the matter was that William never really was the romantic type, but during his courting period of Mary, did these acts to please her because, after all, he was crazy about her!

In Mary's mind, what she perceived as William's lack of interest in her, even questioning her own appeal, was very real to her, just as every time she emotionally pulled away from William, he would wonder if Mary had also lost love for him!

Real life application:

How wonderful it would be if two people could look at the same painting and always see the same thing. Unfortunately, when viewing a snow covered landscape, one person may see a lovely winter wonderland, and the other person my see a frozen wasteland!

Our perception of ourselves, each other, and the world around us, can either make or break how much happiness we draw from life. Will we perceive our cup as half full, or half empty? Look at the cup as half empty, and one will never be satisfied. View the cup as half full, and you will not only be more content, but the portion you have will taste much sweeter!Just as our perceptions can affect our earthly lives, so too, can our spiritual walk, either be negatively or positively affected depending on how we perceive the importance of God.

Won't you call on Him today?

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr