I got new contacts today. When the doctor popped them in my eyes, I blinked and was once again reminded what a difference clear vision makes. Being able to read without squinting. Seeing things at a distance without blur. Wow. I found myself functioning with more confidence and less self-consciousness. Walking and driving (especially at night) and just life in general became easier. I laughed out loud when my mind recalled the first time I got glasses. I was ten years old and apparently had not realized what I had been missing. As we drove home from that ophthalmologist's office in LaGrange, I provided a running commentary for my mom on all the sights. As in, the fact that trees have leaves......... I was amazed then - and still am now - at the difference it makes when one can see clearly.
I pondered.
Our physical experiences often have spiritual parallels and this is certainly true for our ability to see. Just like my walking physically is affected by my inability to see clearly, so it is with my spiritual life. When my spiritual vision is clouded - by sin or a lack of truth - my "walk" is clumsy and faltering and ineffective. I am more conscious of my self, and less conscious of others. I don't have the proper view of my circumstances. Of other people. Of myself.
These new contacts give me great vision. Clearer. More light. But not without adjustment. My brain has to adjust to one lens that sees close up and one that sees far away. I'm working on it :)
In the same way, I'm asking God to give me healthy spiritual eyes. Eyes that see life from His perspective. Light to see His truth in the darkness. Clear vision that will help me walk with confidence and focus on others instead of myself. And it takes practice and work to get it right. But eventually, it becomes easier....second nature.
When my eyes are full of Light, I walk well. When they aren't, I stumble. And great is the fall. My prayer today - Lord, fill me with your light. Help me set my eyes on things above. Amen.
Matthew 6:22-23
The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!