First Baptist Church of Herndon

The Landscape

Linda Soller | Sep 12, 2022

What comes to your mind when someone says did you see that landscape? Can you see what they are referring to or do you bring to mind a more personal version? Maybe you see rolling meadows, forested hillsides, or decaying buildings along a highway. Landscape, the visible features of an area of countryside or land, can mean different things to different people. I have recently started watching a PBS show about painting landscapes. I do not paint.  I watched the first time to see what it was about. But I continue to watch because I am fascinated to see how people can look out at the same scene and see such different things. Not to mention the variety of ways they portray what they see. The type who would see a field and, if I could paint, would try to make my painting be so accurate as to look like a photo, I’m intrigued by what the artist on the program do to convey the landscape in front of them.

One lesson has been brought home by watching this low-key competition show. Everyone sees the world through their own unique perspective.  Sometimes I forget this fact. Sometimes I wonder how anyone could not agree with me on a matter. Have you ever wondered that? It reminds me to pause before I speak to consider alternative perspectives.  Don’t misunderstand, sometimes I still think the other person is wrong.  I rarely agree with the judges on who should win each show. However, those times when I still conclude that my view is the correct view are somewhat tempered by my pondering. 

In a time when many struggle with the world around us and feel quite certain humanity has sunk to the bottom of the proverbial pit, I suggest that we pause to consider other perspectives. Maybe your neighbor, or the protestors, or the journalist are  simply getting lost in their own landscape. Maybe they can’t see the forest for the trees.  This is certainly challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can’t see a happier, more peaceful, loving, and kind landscape.

Be the love in the world  :o)