Perspective

 


If you glance casually at this first photo, the summit on the left (the closer one) appears higher and larger than the ones on the right. In reality, Big Baldy is only 8750' in elevation, while the Timpanogos ridge behind reaches exactly 3000' higher!


An important difference occurs as we step back and are able to see things from a distance. See the second photo, taken from the car driving up University Avenue towards Provo Canyon. It's much easier to see the relative sizes of Baldy on the left, and Timp on the right. And in fact the third photo is taken from the top of Baldy, the peak that looked so large in the first photo.


Granted, there are plenty of clues in the first photo about the true relationship between the peaks. The amount of snow behind, for those familiar with how that works, indicates the foreground is a much lower elevation. Anyone who understands perspective in art and reality would never be fooled. Also, anyone who has climbed the mountains would instantly know the truth.
Sometimes the things we confront "up close" in life loom large and even threatening - and they tend to dominate our views and awareness. This can include the daily challenges of our livelihood, responsibilities we are asked to bear, problems in relationships, frustrations or disappointments with events or circumstances, illness and disabilities or caring for the ill - all kinds of the reality of mortality. It's a good reminder that by stepping back briefly from the challenge, waiting for a break, or allowing some time to pass - we will ALWAYS be able to see things in a better perspective and realize that there is much more in the "big picture" that can help us to deal with the immediate need.
I #GiveThanks for mountains and the lessons they teach; for life's realities that confront me with challenges and needs; but especially for occasionally having those views of "the big picture" that help to put things into perspective.

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