Changing a point of view. A simple thing that gives a whole new world to explore! Using a wide-angle lens (28mm at f16) gave patterns of blue-and-white behind the leafless trees. A worm’s-eye view of the wood, stripped back to bare essentials.
Everything looks different to us: our “normal” looks parallel to ground level. Looking UP frees us from that, and adds a new dimension to our perception of the world.
Try visiting a favourite spot, a park or woodland, and sit (or lay down) next to a tree: look up the trunk, and take time to observe the things we usually neglect to notice. Birds and squirrels may stop and stare- your friends may assume you’ve gone bonkers!
We form our opinions and interpretations of the world by our “normal” viewpoint: it informs us, but also stops us thinking more widely. It’s only when we make a conscious effort to look at things from a new perspective that we will change our minds and opinions. If we always look in one way, we will always see the same things. Perhaps we need to pause for thought.
Jesus was brilliant at telling stories that invited the listener to stop, think, and re-assess their choices and beliefs (prejudices?) in ways that changed their entire approach to life, faith, and God.
Try reading the “Good Samaritan” parable again… but put yourself into the attitudes and relationships of that time. (Luke 10:25-37)
I mean, how can a “Samaritan” ever be “good”?
We look down on Samaritans, they spit on us… and we’d NEVER ask for help from one, or offer to assist one of THEM… it’s just not done. (Now re-cast the story with the people YOU discount or despise… skin colour, sexual orientation, lifestyle, fashion, religion… Then ask yourself this: what would Jesus be saying to me now?)
Uncomfortable, isn’t it? Revealing a new perspective got Jesus into trouble- but opened the Way to all who will respond.
The Reflectionary 