“Rock pigeons,” I answered when someone asked what kind of birds are native to my city.
Factually incorrect? Yes. But, it was accurate as far as my perspective went.
Over the years since, as I've studied and listened to the birds, I’ve found that there is a whole world up there. Hidden within the tall trees, soaring high above, and sometimes within plain sight, are the most beautiful variety of birds-- Yes, even in my own town! Like jewels in the sky, one would find deep reds, the most striking shades of dark indigo blue, and bright sunny yellows. They’ve always been there, I just never saw them. Staying in tune to them, hearing their calls, identifying and recognizing the type of bird and call-- Has introduced a different perspective and view. Being in tune with them, some birders (just by stepping outside) are able to hear a language that would go unnoticed to others.
This bird experience has served as an analogy to me when resolving challenges with prayer. When it feels like there's no solution, I ask myself; Is there a higher view, a different perspective here? Anytime a challenge arises, I see I only need a higher perspective. Let's think of a maze for a second. The maze might make us feel stuck or confused, but a higher view and perspective shows that the solution has always been right there. A bird wouldn't struggle though the maze, their view point inhibits it. A bird would just fly over it. This is similar to what prayerful study does...It reveals a new, higher view. Some might call it healing!
Growing up, I wasn't good at a certain skill that I needed in school. I dreaded every time I had to do anything that involved it. I asked God to show me what he sees about me and the situation. From the Bible, we know that God sees us as an unlimited, spiritual idea. We also read, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) Praying on this (along with spiritual study) showed me a new view of what I was capable of as God’s image and likeness, and a more uplifted approach to what I was doing. I began to really love doing this activity and still do. I would have never thought I’d be someone to say that! I became much better at this skill and a future job required this skill to be used almost daily. The ‘new view’ is exemplified in these words in Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. “The term Science, properly understood, refers only to the laws of God and to His government of the universe, inclusive of man. From this it follows that business men [meaning men and women] and cultured scholars have found that Christian Science enhances their endurance and mental powers, enlarges their perception of character, gives them acuteness and comprehensiveness and an ability to exceed their ordinary capacity. The human mind, imbued with this spiritual understanding, becomes more elastic, is capable of greater endurance, escapes somewhat from itself, and requires less repose." (128:4–14)
Anytime I’ve ever felt stuck or confused, I’ve prayed to view the situation with God’s eyes. God reveals not only a new view of ourselves but a new perspective altogether that blesses many! We are never really ever stuck. Just like the maze, feeling stuck is only a limited perspective or an illusion. If I am ever tempted to feel stuck, I remember that only a new view is needed. Every time I see a bird I am reminded of this higher view.
Have a lovely evening,
Elaina
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