C.S Lewis' Meditation in a Toolshed

C.S. Lewis' "Meditation in a Toolshed" focused on the idea of looking "at" or "along" a situation in life. He explained that in order to fully understand and relate to someone else, humans need to have a balance between being apart of the situation while also seeing the outside perspective objectively. Lewis' idea coexists with the fact that we need humility when looking at or along a situation because we cannot fully understand the opposing view point. Lewis states that "a physiologist, for example, can study pain and find out that it 'is' (whatever is means) such and such neural events. But the word pain would have no meaning for him unless he had 'been inside' by actually suffering." Humans need to use sympathy when being in contact with the opposing view because, although it may be different, it still has merit.

I agreed with Lewis' view that by understanding and objectively using both views is the most efficient way to approach a situation. This idea can be portrayed when using the example of a man who has a strong faith in God. The man is along the situation because he is emotionally involved with feelings of love and is living his life in a way of complete devotion to God. Now, although an outsider who has never experienced this kind of deep love, might say that it is just the fulfillment of human nature to create a higher being in his brain, the man knows that his faith means so much more than that. I believe that having a healthy balance between the at and along mentalities can be best used in accountability between two people. If the man from the previous example had something tragic happen to him that made his faith falter, it would be extremely important for a friend, who is looking at the situation, to help him get through his hard times by being humble and understanding. Although the friend may not have had such hurt occur in his life, it is still important to help his friend, who is clouded with grief, get back to the healthy relationship with God he once had before.

It is important that the relationship between looking at or along a situation is focused on each individual displaying understanding and humility. Colossians 3:12-14 states, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity".