A Matter of Perspective

-By Aaron Rittenour

We have been thinking a lot about perspective here at Aaron & Lexi Travels. Perspective in regard to what we have and, more importantly, how God has blessed us. I am sure we have all heard the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” What a true statement that really strikes at each one of us. If you have never compared yourself against someone else or something else at some point in your life, then you are either lying to yourself or you are not human. Comparison is one of the easiest, yet most destructive, things we can allow into our lives that will slowly eat away at our soul.

Over the years, we have been blessed to gain some perspective through our travels around the world. Although, we want to be clear in stating that our perspective comes from God and not merely from ourselves. We have met people who have traveled and seen different cultures, but without a Christlike perspective, they have become bitter and angry rather than finding love in their hearts for people and gratitude for life. This is a big distinction between traveling for self rather than traveling for Christ. We have been incredibly blessed to have been introduced to this work by Christlike individuals who helped shape our perspectives and convictions about the world. They taught us to look beyond ourselves and to see people and circumstances through the eyes of Christ. For those people, we will be forever grateful.

In 2017, when I first visited India, I made friends who seemed so joyful about life. Family and community were important to them, and they seemed very strong in their faith. But as I have visited India again and again over the years, I have watched some of these same friends change. Something in them began to stir and shift, and not in a positive direction. What changed? Well, they were all introduced to the idea that everyone needed a smartphone. In that transition, they all became very connected with social media. This led them to a life of comparison. I watched as they each became increasingly unsatisfied and even bitter about their own lives. This was sad to see, but it was also a very powerful reminder to me of how comparison can destroy you.

Listen, I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to grow in life or wanting to become better. We should all want to grow. But it becomes dangerous when we begin looking at our lives through the lens of comparison. When we constantly measure what we have against what someone else has, it becomes very difficult to recognize and appreciate the blessings God has already given us. Here is what the Bible says about comparison:

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:12

We have had the opportunity to be a part of a number of group mission trip experiences in our lives, and so often on these trips, there are those who are in a constant state of complaint and comparison. The roads are too bumpy. The dust is too thick. I only had 10 minutes of hot water in the shower this morning. The bed wasn't soft enough. When we hear these things, all we can do is say, “Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with perspective.”

You see, there are many people around the world who have never experienced a hot shower in their entire lives. In fact, many wouldn't even know what the term “shower head” means. Some, both young and old, sleep directly on a hard wood surface, with little more than a sheet to keep them warm. Some must consider whether they want to have a large meal in the morning or in the evening because they can’t afford to do both. And owning a vehicle for transportation? Forget about that! That is for the rich folk.

We once traveled with a few medical professionals to visit a man living in a small brick house with no lights and a missing back door in the countryside of Uganda. We were told a little about this man and his unique personality, but nothing prepared us for what we witnessed.

His name is Moses, and he was in his mid-50s. He was born with no legs past his knees and no hands, just stubs where his hands would be. On top of this, in 2001, he underwent surgery on his eyes for glaucoma. Shortly after that surgery, he completely lost his eyesight. He also has a full-time catheter that he has had for a number of years.

Despite all of these things, Moses was one of the most interesting and positive people you will ever meet. He was very bright when he was young and easily picked up four languages, which he can speak fluently. He has no living family that he is aware of, but a neighbor lady comes and helps him with things when he needs assistance.

He had worn-out leather boots specially built for his stubs, and he gets around by crawling across the floor. Despite having only stubs for legs, his muscles were quite defined because he exercises every single day. He told us about his struggle with depression in the past, but made it very clear to us that God had freed him from that depression.

His love for God could be seen all over his face. He would light up whenever spiritual matters were brought up. The neighbor lady will sometimes sit with him and read his Bible, which he treasures every moment. I looked at this man and could not believe how happy and thankful he was for the life he had been given.

I felt tears welling up in my eyes when we prayed for him before we said our goodbyes. Before we left, he leaned over to one of the doctors and said, “I can’t see you physically, but I can see you spiritually.”

Do not let comparison take away the joy of the life God has blessed you with. You are here for a purpose, and the trials you face in life should be viewed in perspective. There will always be someone who has more than you, just as there will always be someone who has less. If we constantly look sideways, we will never be able to fully appreciate what God has placed directly in front of us. Stay grateful, stay humble, and do not let comparison steal away your potential for happiness.

“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.”
— Galatians 6:4–5