PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

February 22, 2023

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

The middle of January Diane and I visited our son and his family who until this summer had lived one mile from George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon.  While in Virginia we visited Mount Verion with the kids and grandkids.

This was not my first visit to Mount Vernon.  However, this visit was much different than any of my previous ones.  In the past the focus was on touring the house, outbuilding and grounds; learning about the history of the place, and going from designated stop to designated stop with a guide.  Our two grandchildren had a different idea about visiting Mount Vernon as they are frequent visitors there with their parents.

At the entrance center our grandson had a wonderful time with a dog that another visitor had brought.  Our grandchildren ran across fields, climbed small mounds, and enjoyed their visit to the live animals.  We never went into any building, read only a few signs, and missed most of the grounds.  But we had a great time.  We visited Mount Vernon from the perspective of our grandchildren.

My first appointment when I returned from Texas was as an associate pastor at the Crown Point United Methodist.  The senior pastor, Leon Hartman, had two grown children.  While we were there his wife Dee became pregnant just about the same time as Diane. Leon and Dee had their third child when most people are looking forward to the coming of grandchildren.

More than once Leon commented that having a child later in life changed his perspective.  He and Dee attended all of their daughter’s grade school activities.  When she was in high school they attended sports events.  They interacted with their daughter’s school mates’ parents and families.  They were involved in things that they otherwise they would have missed at their age if they did not have a young daughter.  Leon said that she helped to keep both of them young.

Looking at the world from the perspective of children gives one a different view.  I am not sure it is better, but it is different and it does enhance and enrich how one looks at the world.

In Matthew 18 Jesus puts a child in the midst of his disciples and then says to them “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:3-5)

Jesus invites his disciples to take a look at what he has to say from the perspective of a child.  In so doing they might catch a clear view of what he is trying to tell them.  To be truly great is to be humble.  Jesus goes on to say that his followers will be judged by how their actions affect children.  They are to be careful that they do not place stumbling blocks for children.

A change of perspective always has the prospect of seeing the world differently.  Visiting Mount Vernon with my grandchildren helped me see Washington’s home from a very different point of view.  Having a child later in life helped Leon Hartman to stay young.

This article was originally published February 11, 2018.