Notes Along the Journey 01: Perspective

[Just a note of explanation at the very start here… This “string” of notes is really meant for myself. Think of it as a diary entry of sorts that is merely recording some personal musings or ponderings meant primarily for myself. In other words, the target audience is one (me, myself, and I), but I am posting it so I can look back over time to consider the journey and evaluate my growth (or lack thereof).]

The following quotes all come from Liz Braswell’s book, “Unbirthday: A Twisted Tale,” part of the Disney series that imagine different paths and different outcomes to some of their most popular stories…

“So what can I do?… What do I have that is unique in solving this? How does perspective solve this?”

“Perspective. I don’t have the right one!”

“Alice didn’t look left, right, or behind her.”

[A note on context… Alice is desperately struggling to catch the White Rabbit (yet again) as he races toward the clock tower in a crazed attempt to “stop time” and end the world.]

As I read these pages this morning I found myself doing the same thing I have been doing for over a week now… Reading everything within the broader context of my current UN Volunteer assignment (working remotely with GLOWA in Cameroon). To that end I had a number of relevant and important personal thoughts that follow accordingly:

• The need to understand that a proper perspective should allow me to recognize the unique talents and gifts that I can bring to bear on the current assignment. Not in pride or arrogance, but in humility of service. God brought me to this opportunity, and He certainly had a plan that involves the unique abilities that I have received from Him. To that end, especially within the larger team effort, I need to understand my limitations and focus instead on areas that align with my strengths and divine gifts. That is how I best make a valuable contribution. Availability far more than ability.
• PERSPECTIVE – I am an outsider, especially in regard to this ongoing conflict in Cameroon. I cannot and should not pretend to understand the situation or their struggle. There is nothing in either my past experience or present life that corresponds in even the slightest degree. Having said that, I need to work (yes, work) to bridge that gap as best as possible. For now, that means reading and research. Build a knowledge base that at the very least enables me the “perspective” of knowledge. Learn the history of the nation, people, and conflict. Gather articles and reports from other people well-versed in the situation. Ask questions of people who live there and are part of the GLOWA family. If I don’t have the proper perspective, I am most likely wasting their time and mine.
• One other thought on perspective – Also have the courage to recognize that sometimes an “outside” perspective can have value as a potential contribution. The ability to view a problem through a different lens can sometimes help those closest to the problem gain a new, and perhaps valuable, perspective of their own.
• Finally, for today, carefully consider Alice’s final approach to the problem. After countless failed attempts to capture the White Rabbit, she adopted a new strategy, i.e., be the first to reach the clock. She had the courage to recognize her limitations and was willing to shift her focus. Same broader goal and mission. But now, just a different means to achieving it. To that end, she now “blanked out” everything around her and FOCUSED SOLELY ON WHAT WAS STRAIGHT AHEAD. For myself, in strictly practical terms, that means Cameroon. Who knows if this assignment will end after 4 months? It might. And it might not. But for now, my time, energy, and effort should be focused straight ahead on the best and most useful way I can serve GLOWA and, through them, the people, particularly the exploited victims, of this war-torn country.

[Note: Alice Chases The White Rabbit is a painting by Philip Mendoza.]