Pinch to Zoom Out

I hope I’m not the only one who, in a moment of distraction, has tried to zoom in on a picture in a book or a framed photo, using thumb and index finger, until it dawns on me what I’m doing. Oops.

This motion of spreading our fingers (to zoom in) or pinching them (to zoom out) has become second nature to most of us in this world of screens. But this post will not be a rant about screen time. That can be saved for another day. Instead, thinking about those familiar motions may come in handy when we are experiencing impatience, discontent, or anxiety.

When we are in the midst of a heated exchange with a child or spouse, or are fretting about the latest credit card bill, or are quietly envious about a friend’s success, we are “zooming in” — that is, becoming laser focused on ourselves and our own concerns. At those times we may need to pause and zoom out, so to speak, and get the big picture. Do you see yourself at that moment? Those around you? Zoom out even more. Imagine this scene as if watching a movie. Does your “character” need a pep talk? Or maybe a smack down?

It’s easy become so fixated on the issue at hand or on ourselves that we lose perspective about what’s truly important: loving and serving our neighbor, seeking first the kingdom of God, trusting in our heavenly Father.

Sometimes we need to “pinch” ourselves mentally to zoom out. And physically, if needed.