The forest and the trees

We have all heard the phrase, "you can't see the forest for the trees". And whether or not the one speaking the phrase understands it or not, the question is that of perspective.  When we look at a particular situation in our lives or even just our lives in general, what is it that, one, draws our immediate attention and two, what forms or controls the worldview that directs our thinking?
We must learn to recognize our presuppositions in order to recognize, understand and root out our faulty thinking.  From thinking comes actions. One can critique others for too much thinking or for placing too much emphasis on verbal articulation. But these things come from a desire to think, speak and do what is pleasing to God.
Learning to see the big picture without sacrificing the ability to see and understand the details is very valuable.
All of this is tied together in this: words and actions have meaning and that meaning is found in the immediate and wide context of the situation. Learning to see the details and interpret them in the broader picture will provide the greatest understanding. And understanding is what it is all about.  If we do not understand someone, we cannot respond to them in any helpful manner.  If we do not understand someone that we claim to love, I would argue that we don't really love them.  How can you love what you don't know?
One could offer a multitude of examples about the value of understanding.  Imagine driving in a foreign country, stopping for directions and receiving instructions in a language you do not know.  Imagine having your doctor give a medical explanation of your physical malady using only post doctoral terminology.
I've heard many times about the value of listening, but this of course presupposes understanding.  It is only when we have understanding that we can truly listen and when we truly listen can we truly respond.  And is only when we truly love that we can respond rightly.