There’s a profound difference between art that wants to reflect what you would see if you were standing there, and art that is more stylistic-abstract. Art theorists call the difference perspective.

You can learn a lot about yourself by examining your motivations. “What motivates you?” can be a tough question, though, because it’s hard to see inside our own heads sometimes. Here’s one way to get a clearer picture: ask yourself,

What am I willing to put up with to get what I want?

Are you willing to slave away at that driveway after a snowfall? Why?

Motivation shows through where patience cracks. If your doctor’s office is running late, you’ll sit in that waiting room a lot longer to receive a biopsy result than you would to have them check a bunion, wouldn’t you?

What are you willing to put up with? Why?

Brussels sprouts — the most diminutive cabbage in the brassica patch — have a terrible reputation. They don’t deserve their negative street cred. These little marbles of chlorophyllic joy can carry flavor and deep caramelization, but they’re an acquired taste. With time, experimentation, repeated exposure, a determination for healthier eating, and a touch of bravery, those who used to loathe the little-cabbage-who-could can grow to love the nooks and crannies of subtle bitterness and crunch.

Ever since the Lord came down at Babel, words have been funny things. We often make jokes from homonyms. Consider this one that always gets a laugh from the preschoolers I know:

Q: Where does a shark keep his money? A: In a SAND BANK! hilarity ensues

We could list many examples, couldn’t we? Imagine confusing a bat with a bat! Sometimes, when we come to the Scriptures, we have to reason carefully with the words the Holy Spirit inspired to understand what the human author intended by the word he chose. If we’re careful, we can find profound insights into God’s ways.