What Color is Your World?

I have a small decorative globe that spins hypnotically when tiny hands get hold of it. I leave it within reach of my grandchildren, believing that their wonder is more precious than this trinket. One day my grandson, who has been learning about the planets, constellations, and rotation in his preschool class, says, “Meme, is this a planet?”

“Yes, Christian, this is planet earth. Here is where you live!” I point out Virginia, grateful that his place on the planet is so close to mine.

My globe is a rich golden hue; I bought it because the color was perfect for my den, not because I particularly needed or wanted a globe.

“Meme, you are incorrect. That is not my planet.”

“Yes, see? It says here, ‘United States’ - our city, our state, our country, our continent, our planet.” (I have never claimed that my superpower included reasoning with a three year old.)

“Meme.” Christian is ramping up the firmness in his tone. “This is NOT our planet.”

I give up. “Tell me how you know that.” Big sigh from a little body. “Memeeeeee….our planet is blue and green.”

HOW we see truly does inform perspective. HOW do you see the world? Is it hostile? Is it out to get you? Or is it…..something else? What if you could reframe your perspective? What if you would benefit from a changed perspective? Is it possible that the capacity to listen and learn might just be a superpower? I was focused on getting the facts straight; I needed to listen to learn what this kid already knew. The 12th step requires us to learn how to listen as part of our work to try to carry a message that can be received.