Snow White’s Grotto: A Change in Perspective

There is a lovely spot off to the right of Sleeping Beauty Castle’s drawbridge. For a long time, it was one of the quiet, tranquil parts of Disneyland. It’s still relatively quiet—though it’s become busier in recent years. It’s also got a history that most guests who walk by it—or even spend time there—have never heard.

Snow White’s Grotto and Wishing Well opened in the Spring of 1961. The white marble statues of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were sculpted by an unknown Italian artist and given to Walt Disney. They create a lovely scene, but there’s a problem. All eight figures are about 3 feet tall (Snow White is a little taller, but not much). Legendary Imagineer John Hench came up with a creative solution, one which had been and continues to be used throughout the Disney parks: forced perspective.

They set the statues some distance away, and sculpted the woodland creatures to go into the scene. By putting Snow White on the top with a small deer next to her, and then arranging the dwarfs figures lower, she looks much taller than they are, and the visual impression is that they are all the correct proportions—but now you know better.

We all face problems and challenges. A job we hate. A decision that seems impossible. A difficult relationship. A sin we can’t seem to overcome. And when that happens, we need to do the same thing John Hench did: force a change of perspective. We need to look at things a little differently—or maybe a lot differently. But how?

There are 3 primary ways we can change our perspective: seek God’s perspective, seek wise counsel, and seek a change of scenery.

1. SEEK GOD’S PERSPECTIVE – Most of our perspective issues arise because we are looking at things through our own eyes, not God’s. He has a much different view of the world than we do.

One of the best parts of being a Christian is that we can ask Him to show us that perspective. But in order to get that perspective we have to make time to read His word and seek His perspective in prayer.

Remember the Sermon on the Mount? 5 times Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said… But I tell you…”. A change in perspective.

Are you suffering and experiencing trials? “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4, NIV) A change in perspective.

Would telling a “little white lie” be easier than telling the truth? “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, NIV) A change in perspective.

2. SEEK WISE COUNSEL – Sometimes we’re too close to a situation, we don’t have enough information, or we’re overwhelmed. Whatever the reason, it’s important to get counsel from others. But not just anyone—some people, though well-intentioned, just give bad advice on certain topics or issues. That’s why you need to seek wise counsel.

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” (Prov. 19:20, NIV)

“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Prov. 12:15, NIV)

“Listen to the words of the wise;
apply your heart to my instruction.
For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
and always ready on your lips.
I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord.”
(Prov. 22:17-19, NLT)

Find someone who has overcome the issue you’re dealing with, or made a similar decision to what you need to make, and ask for their advice. Then heed it!

3. SEEK A CHANGE OF SCENERY – Sometimes we need to get a way for a while to clear our heads and be able to refocus, or see things from a different angle. It could be a walk around the block (or in a nearby park), a day trip, or a full vacation. Whatever it is, take time to get away.

Question: What do you need a different perspective on, and what’ is one step you will take today to get it? Talk about it in the comments below, or on our Facebook page.