A small family of birds made a nest on top of our front entry light fixture. It has been fascinating to watch the parents preparing the nest, sitting on the eggs, feeding the new hatchlings and then seeing the little ones fly away. It brings me joy every day when I look out the kitchen window and see a little birdie head sticking out of the nest.

In contrast, I opened the back door this afternoon to go out onto the deck and there was a wasp nest. I immediately slammed the door shut and Jim went to get the hornet and wasp spray. He fumigated and then removed the nest to deter the unwelcome visitors from continuing to build a home above our back door.

It struck me that the perception of danger has a profound effect on our reaction to things. The birds are harmless to us. Their nest has been over our front door for the past 3 years and we are happy to leave it there. I look forward to seeing them and welcome their return each day. The wasps, on the other hand, are seen as a threat and were evicted on day one. I realize they have their place in nature but anybody who has been stung by one will likely understand our actions.

How does perception affect your behavior?