How is your perspective? The word is defined as, “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.”

There is a dog owner in the Gibsland metroplex that is very frustrated. The dog owner is in part-time possession of what is a very large juvenile dog. If I were a guessing individual, I would guess the dog is a Catahoula Curr. She is going to be a monster when she fills out. I know the other part-time owner of the dog is being frustrated by this dog. She is an escape artist.

She has a collar, and I have seen and removed several items that were a lame attempt at keeping the dog in her yard. I say lame, because she comes to the house with various objects attached to her collar. She is stronger than the attempts to keep her in the yard. She is at the same time causing frustration and bringing joy. She is living her life as a dog!

I have a bowl of dog food out for her. She shows up once in the morning and once in the evening to empty the bowl of dog food. She will follow me around the yard as I do my chores. I am in hopes to teaching her how to weed the garden. She has met my other two canine denizens, and they have barked at each other in a hearty manner. I’m not sure of the emotions behind the barking, but I’ve decided to keep her away from them.

She does have an adorable habit. She is a leaner. The first time she walked up she leaned against me while I gave her a little petting. She has continued leaning and the petting sessions have lengthened.

I’m glad to see her every day. But up the street there is a dog lover likely saying bad words about the dog who has yet again escaped. The same dog is viewed with two perspectives.

We call it walking a mile in another person’s shoes. Whether saint or sinner, we are all in need of expanding our perspective, of trying to understand the other person’s perspective. Take a deep breath and try to “get where I’m coming from,” it might help you with something that happens today.

Jesus’ words about perspective are gracious. We are to go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, settle disputes quickly and seek reconciliation when relationships are broken. Remember, for one guy it is an escaped dog, for another guy it is a daily visitor that leans in to receiving the human touch.