It’s been over four years since the world experienced a pandemic that had a significant impact across the globe.

In March 2020, leaders of nations all over the world took the tough decision to close their borders and restrict  air space as a strategy to bring the spread of the COVID-19 virus under control. Organizations had to find alternative ways to remain in business as the pandemic kept spreading . While some business owners struggled to keep their doors open, some did not have the resources to continue operations. Employees were laid off, some families suffered major financial setbacks and some had to endure the loss of loved ones who couldn’t make it through the virus attack.

This was, undoubtedly, one of the most difficult times that we have experienced in our lifetime. However, amidst the pain, chaos, confusion and uncertainty, I observed that there were some individuals and groups who chose to view the situation through a different lens. They adjusted to the change, revamped their systems and structures to enable them survive and, if possible, thrive during the pandemic. While others saw problems, they saw opportunities to become innovative, learn new things and grow. While others fought against the change, this group embraced it and made it work in their favour and now, they are better for it. 

Today, we see organizations offering remote and hybrid work options for their employees, churches making more impact through their stronger virtual presence, business vendors making profit without a physical location and consumers purchasing anything online without leaving their homes because online shopping options are readily available. The list is endless.

This reminds me of the story in the Bible about twelve men who were sent to spy out the promised land. They went as instructed and saw the opportunities – the richness of the land, the milk and honey. They also saw the problems – the powerful people, the fortified towns and the giants.

Ten spies focused on the problem and this was their report:

“….the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are! The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” (Numbers 13)

The other two spies focused on the opportunities and this was their report:

“The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, He will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey…..Don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14)

All the twelve spies had three things in common.

• They were all leaders representing their various tribes.
• They were all sent to spy on the same land.
• They all saw the same things in the land – milk, honey, powerful people, fortified towns and giants.

Yet, they presented two different reports to their boss. 

• While team-10 cried out in fear, team-2 cried out in faith. 
• While team-10 focused on the giants, team-2 focused on the milk and honey. 
• While team-10 saw themselves as ‘grasshoppers’ before the people, team-2 saw the people as ‘helpless prey’ before them. 

The difference between the two groups is clear and simple.

PERSPECTIVE.

Perspective influences everything.

• It influences how we view the events in our lives.
• It influences what we choose to focus on as we go through the seasons of our lives.
• It influences how we decide to interpret our situations and circumstances, whether good or bad.
• It influences our actions, inactions and reactions.
• It influences our thought patterns and responses.
• It changes our lives.

Perspective is not imposed on us. It is a choice.

Choose your perspective wisely.

You will be better for it.