“For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of a person you are.”
-C. S. Lewis, The Magician’s Nephew
So, certainly where we stand changes our perspective in literal and figurative ways. Standing on top of a mountain allows us a greater view than standing in foggy valley below. That is not to say there is no beauty in the fog, but it certainly limits how far we can see. Where we stand can influence what we believe is possible.
With whom we stand similarly changes what we are likely to hear and what we may therefore see as possibilities. The degree of joy, peace, and freedom we experience in our lives will surely be influenced by those with whom we stand. The people we surround ourselves with can be like valleys or peaks – foggy or bright.
Lewis’ quote goes on to talk about what sort of persons we are. I believe we can change what sort of person we are. I think that if we’re honest with ourselves (without beating ourselves up) we can see room for improvement. I also know that change is possible – especially when we are careful in choosing “where we stand” (and with whom.) I don’t think that changing ourselves is magical thinking; it’s attainable, we’re trainable.
Let’s be people who are accepting of life’s valleys while always striving to see beyond the fog to the shining mountain peaks.
