Perspective
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been known.”
-1 Corinthians 13:12
Perspective is something I forget about in busy seasons when I have a goal ahead of me. Whether in work or at home, I have to make myself stop and ask the question, “What would this person think about that? Who else can I ask to help me make the right choice?”
Some goals are far off and I have a picture of them in my mind. As I get closer, I see more clearly the goodness and ways I need to better prepare as I reach that destination. If the goal is something optional, I might even slow down the work I am doing to get there once I see it as nearly achieved or I might do the opposite and race to the finish line. My perspective shifts as I get closer. I either speed up or slow down based on how my new perspective impacts me.
On my way to Niagara Falls, I was moderately excited. I heard mixed reviews. Some folks found it breathtaking. Others told me it was not all it is cracked up to be. I was excited but cautious to raise my expectations so that I would not be let down.
The day of my scheduled Maid of the Mist tour, I was picked up by some wonderful friends of my stepmom who used to lead tours. Little did I know what was in store for me! They drove me through different parts of Buffalo, New York with stories about presidential history, notes about what companies used to own which buildings, information about famous architects who crafted beautiful homes on Delaware Ave, and all the sweet memories from being a local that I longed to hear.
When I thought we were about to arrive at Niagara Falls, a pit stop was made at an exhibit about the falls. We walked through and I learned geographical history, as well as about the disagreement between famous inventors on how to harness the great power produced by the waters flowing under my feet atop the dam. My guide pointed out certain structures and landmarks as a reminder to “remember that” for something he would tell me later.
My perspective was shifting and my excitement mounting. I was snapping photos the whole time. After each photo, I would look down as my phone and think, That is spectacular!
Finally, we arrived at the American falls and purchased our tickets. We entered the elevator and plunged to the base of the bluff where we would climb aboard a catamaran. The well known Maid of the Mist waited for the people decked out in blue branded ponchos that cut down the wind chill more than I expected.
More pictures. I could see the falls! They were magnificent, powerful beacons ahead. My guide told me where to stand. I knew, by now, to listen to him because he KNEW his stuff. My view was subpar at the start but still cool. I trusted my guide and held onto the rail fiercely as the water began to churn beneath us the closer we got to the falls.
Progressively, mist covered me. We were right there! The water was crashing down and, though I could only see my little corner of them, the falls were wonderful. Photos could not do it justice so I just stared in wonder. Then, the boat turned. All of a sudden, I had the best view on the boat. The boat slowly turned me to the full width of the falls!
I was awe struck. The clouds parted. The sun began to shine a direct beam over me at the foot of the rushing falls. I could not believe the timing of this moment.
Once we pulled a little further away from the falls, I still had a stellar view. I pulled out my phone and got the BEST photos of the day. I thought my earlier shots were spectacular. Oh, past me had no clue what she was in for that day. My perspective had changed completely. Nothing anybody said could have prepared me for the moment the sun broke through the clouds and thousands of gallons of water crashed over the falls right in front of me.
Here is the spiritual turn (for those who saw this coming). I prayed on that boat a simple Wow and Thank You, Lord. On the walk up the stairs after we disembarked, I prayed some more private things and felt a reminder that I do not see right now what I will see one day.
There are areas of my life where I have glimpsed the goal and stalled out, thinking the view from the shore was good enough or it would be impossible to actually get where I want to be. There are life choices in which I am aboard the boat, gripping the rail and so close to the purpose that I can feel its mist on my face. In those spaces, I often am ready to jump ship or turn back, worn and tired.
The fresh reminder for my soul from the bottom of Niagara Falls is to hold on.
Hold on, Hannah.
In the strength and joy of Jesus, I believe I can do just that. My expectations are shifting with the perspective from my seat today. My Guide in heaven has my back and I just need to follow His lead, trust his direction, and wait for the beauty.
Elisabeth Elliot wrote and spoke often about doing the next thing. My next thing is holding on. While that will have a variety of action steps, I can do it. It is possible to just take the next step, and then another. I bet you can, too. There is beauty in this moment but the beauty ahead is worth waiting for on the journey.
In the Love of Christ,
Hannah
