Have you ever considered that what we think of as “the norm”
is typically only cultural? A number of
things in the last few weeks have stirred those thoughts up for me again:
- We were at an auction where people were paying big bucks for antiques, primitives, etc. In the midst of all of this was a gentleman who spotted an “invaluable” used game that he thought his grandchildren would like. When he won the highest bid of $1.00, he carried the game with his head held high as though he’d received a trophy.
- We’ve been considering whether or not we should demolish our old farm house and build a small rustic home. While most would determine the farm house not worth salvaging, those without homes or small shanties would consider it the “mansion” they’d never even dream of having.
- My brother, Art reminisces about a time in his boyhood when he played “basketball” for hours shooting a ball that would not hold air against the side of our old outhouse as a backboard. Unbeknownst to Art, our neighbor, who drove by our place everyday, noticed Art’s determination. He arrived at our house on Christmas Day with an inflated basketball, a hoop and a back board. Art had never received such an elaborate gift!
Who determines what’s “normal”? How do we conclude what’s “good” and what’s
“bad”? Customs and traditions in one
culture would never be considered in another.
What’s perceived as beautiful to one is determined as repulsive to
another. What one values, another
considers unworthy. This song came as I’ve
pondered these thoughts.
In the Eyes of the Beholder
By Bonnie Jaeckle
Flame-branded scars disfigure her
face.
To him she’s a princess, to
others disgrace.
Most keep their distance from the
“monster” they see,
While his loving hands caress her
face so gently.
CHORUS:
In the eyes of the beholder
another can’t see,
‘Cause we’re blinded by
perceptions of how life should be.
We can’t understand ways that are
not our own
‘Til we walk in their shoes and live
in their home.
Life in a shanty is all she
dreams of.
It’s her constant request to her
Father above.
It isn’t a mansion over-looking
the sea,
Just something better than life on
the streets.
CHORUS:
In the eyes of the beholder
another can’t see
‘Cause we’re blinded by
perceptions of how life should be.
We can’t understand ways that are
not our own
‘Til we walk in their shoes and
live in their home.
A new born calf and the sweet
smell of hay;
Others go shopping while she gladly
she stays
At home in simplicity when they go
to work.
She enjoys her family while they
pay the clerk.
CHORUS:
In the eyes of the beholder
another can’t see
‘Cause we’re blinded by
perceptions of how life should be.
We can’t understand ways that are
not our own
‘Til we walk in their shoes and
live in their home.
One more bottle to help ease the
pain.
Those who knew him say he’s never
been the same
Since his wife and children were
killed in a feud.
How would you respond if it
happened to you?
CHORUS:
In the eyes of the beholder another
can’t see
‘Cause we’re blinded by
perceptions of how life should be.
We can’t understand ways that are
not our own
‘Til we walk in their shoes and
live in their home.
Never satisfied with all that
they get
His friends complain that, “This
isn’t it!”
He knew his family could never
afford
The ball that they bought which
he had adored.
CHORUS:
In the eyes of the beholder
another can’t see
‘Cause we’re blinded by
perceptions of how life should be.
We can’t understand ways that are
not our own
‘Til we walk in their shoes and
live in their home.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
P.S. Please
feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder
or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/. You may also contact me at:
Bonnie
Jaeckle
In Search
of the Whole-Hearted Life
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