Perspective

      With dinner on the mind, John and I skimmed through menus on the streets of Old San Juan during our business trip/”babymoon”.   While looking through an Italian restaurant’s options, we heard a woman walking by loudly declare that it’s ridiculous to come to Puerto Rico and eat Italian food. John had to refrain me from retaliation. I wanted to inform her that if she stayed here long enough, although Puerto Rican food is muy rico, she would probably not crave its goodness every single day. To travelers in San Juan, San Juan is the essence of Puerto Rico. To Americans who live on the island, San Juan is the closest to the States that it gets. We love the diversity, and seek out sushi, Greek, Indian, and French goodness whenever we find ourselves in the historic city.

Perspective.

Isn’t it amazing how many different ones walk around with blindness to the idea that others may not share the same views? A verse close to my heart during this journey of pregnancy is Psalm 139:14. It says, “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-and how well I know it.” This is from the same chapter in which the Psalmist states God knew him while he was in the womb. It’s a great confidence booster for purpose and an inspiration while carrying a brand new person inside of me that didn’t physically exist several months ago. However, it’s also convicting. If I am His workmanship and my baby is wonderfully complex, then…so is everyone else.

It’s been an adventure while learning this lesson and living with two elderly loved ones who are very set in their ways. There have been times of joy watching them physically improve and become emotionally healthier, but there have been times of intense miscommunication and feelings of failure on part of John and myself. We have had to come to a place that constantly remembers we cannot change them. They are His workmanship and wonderfully complex, no matter how differently we view the world or how difficult some situations with them can seem. We can; however, accept them where and how they are, and we can pray for them. All of the time, we can pray for them. For them to be happy. To choose contentment, especially as they age. To love each other and others around them.

Since June 2012, our perspectives have changed. Evolved and grown-as they should continue to do as we meet more people and learn new ways of life. This does NOT mean we agree or condone all views-it just means that, to an extent, we try to understand.

That woman in Old San Juan, although loud and a little rude, was understandable. If I travelled to Italy I probably wouldn’t eat at a burger joint. Not long ago, I would have eaten Puerto Rican food in San Juan. I also would have cared more when a bug crawled across my computer screen, when my Grandma told every single stranger we meet that I can’t speak Spanish, and that the bathroom door can’t physically close all the way. Things change. With them, perspectives broaden.

It’s okay if you don’t agree every person you encounter. It’s okay if you don’t agree with me. But, if you are a believer I’d like to challenge you (along with myself) to remember that all of those people we disagree with-whether it be an entire lifestyle choice or an isolated statement-are marvelously made.

 

Now, a few pictures of our two days in San Juan--that were marvelously made as well!

I don't think we've had a trip to San Juan without going to this sushi restaurant!
Tayzan on Ashford. Consistently lovely!

A friend told me to go to the beach and make a hole
to be able to lay belly-down. Wonderful idea!

Baby sunscreen was the cheapest option at the pharmacy because we forgot ours.
John said I should take a picture with some on the baby. :)

Yes, folks, he's on an island. No, folks, he doesn't have any color yet.
He didn't want his face to burn...He'll probably have something to say to me when he sees I uploaded this.

Last night on the town! Next time we may be in that city?
Picking up Sandy Barrington so she can meet Carmi June in May!

God bless!