I was walking through the store with
my wife the other night. I heard a child’s
voice say, “Mom, look at that big man!”.
I looked around and didn’t see anyone but heard my wife laugh, “He was
talking about you.” Looking down the
aisle I saw a 4 year old boy holding hands with parents that were 5’6’’ at best.
At 6’5” I looked like a giant to this boy who spends most of days with
parents who are much closer to his height.
I was looking for someone bigger than me.
Most people know the story of David and Goliath taken from I
Samuel 17 in the Bible. The king and his
men were overwhelmed with the giant Goliath and saw the battle as a death wish. David walks onto the scene to check on his
brothers and volunteers to go against Goliath.
His faith and confidence in seeing God work gave him a completely
different perspective. He was offered a multitude
of weapons and protections, but he set them aside. Instead of being restricted by
the unfamiliar and complicated he chose the simple slingshot.
The end result was a dead giant, a grateful army, a future king, and a reference
to “giant killer” throughout the history of competitive sports.
It’s all about perspective.
When we are in the midst of a challenge, many things loom large and daunting. Taking a step back or receiving coaching from
someone outside the challenge can help us frame things into a much less
threatening situation and see the opportunities on the horizon.
Perspective changes things. Old is always 15 years older
than you; big is always bigger than you; and a challenge is something you haven’t
done before. Armed with confidence,
faith, and different point of reference and that challenge looks a little more
achievable.
