Perspective

Here is a picture of our ranch in western Texas.

                                          Another picture of the same ranch.

Finally, one more picture of our ranch.

I could have shown you a million more pictures of the ranch, and each one would have been just as different as the three above.  Yet, they would all be of the very same ranch.

Had I taken several pictures of a particular town, a church, a school, or even YOU, each of the perspectives would similarly provide a completely different view.

A single view of a particular entity (whether it be a person, a place, or thing) never tells the whole story.  And, making judgements about an entity based on one particular view (or even just a few) is sure to prove erroneous.

Seeking to know and understand as many perspectives as possible informs us greatly as we ponder decisions and choices, both about our personal lives as well as those related to the organizations/communities in which we live and work.  The very best decisions are those premised on such an understanding of  multiple perspectives.

This rendition of “From a Distance” by Bette Midler makes the point that perspectives color our judgements, yet they do not exempt us from the fact that we are part of a bigger picture. Our decisions and choices impact others.  That reality should always be at the forefront of our thinking.

Seeking to understand fully as many perspectives as possible, and acting in the interest of the greater harmony, is the stuff of wisdom.