Perspective

Do you ever try to look at situations from others perspectives?  I have to admit I get very caught up in my own thoughts and emotions sometimes and not what others view are.  Today I brought the girls to school, went to work and picked the girls up from school.  We were headed to a basketball game, so I stopped and grabbed a loaf of bread and ham, threw together sandwiches and we carried on our way.  (Don't know about your kids, but mine are STARVING after school, and they are quite certain they might die!)  Brooke said to me, "why didn't you just do this at home before you picked us up?"  So I explained, while they are at school, I work. I haven't been home all day.  She was amazed.  I'm still not sure she understands what I do all day, but that's her perspective.  I didn't know how busy my mom was when I was 6 years old either. 
On to a little older kids.  We've had our share of, "that's not fair", "you're so dumb."  Etc etc.  They're perspective is we are making their lives miserable on purpose.  That we don't like them.  So I've been trying to put myself in their heads.  When I was young I told myself, I will NEVER forget what it's like to be, 10-12-16 years old.  But I have to admit, I have kinda forgot.  I really have to dig into the memory bank to see where they are coming from.  They don't have the same life experiences Steve and I have.  It's been taking me a little longer to figure out their thought process. 
On to parents.........I had a few conversations with my dad recently.  I feel I know more about his health sometimes than he does.  Not necessarily true. After I talked to him one day,  I went to see a patient at work and she said to me, "you have no idea what it's like to have you kids always telling you what to do!  Drives me crazy!"  So I told her, "I feel kind of convicted in this conversation."  She said, "oh so your one of those brats."  hehe, she was kidding so it was in good fun, but again, I had to take myself out of my own thoughts and put them into my parents.  I talked to my dad and explained my selfish nature of dictating his health care. 
I feel like, maybe I'm starting to learn to shut my mouth and try to think of what the other person is thinking before I respond.  But that is SOOOO HARD!   I have so many things running through this head of mine, and I tend to think my idea's are best.  But God gave us all brilliant ideas.  Doesn't mean they are wrong, just another way of getting from point A to point B! 
Sorry Dad, I'm still going to bug you about your health :)  It's just my nature!!