As I was thinking about preparing my mind and heart for 2011, and for the upcoming birth of baby Jordyn, this verse came to mind: "If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light..." (Matthew 6:22)I was reminded of an experience I had a few years ago. Once upon a time, I couldn’t tell a tree from a telephone pole, or a friend from a foe, or a clean room from a dirty one – at least not without my glasses. But some years ago I had laser eye surgery, and suddenly everything was clear. I could see the intricate beauty of pictures on the wall. I could also see cobwebs gathering in the corner, and the dirt smudges near the light switch.
And I've come to think that the changes God works in me are much like eye surgery. When I’m focused on Him, my vision becomes clear. I can see the intricate details of God’s work in my life and in the world around me. Things I didn’t understand become clear, and I find God is good and loving, even when things don't go as I hoped or planned. But I also see the places in my life that need cleaning, places I may have thought were just fine before.
Good eyes, seeing eyes, allow me to view myself and my world as they really are, the good and the bad. But most importantly, good eyes keep me from being deceived by fear, panic, weariness, wishes, or even the nightly news. With truly seeing eyes, I can tell a friend from a foe, truth from lies, reality from the distractions that spring into my mind. And that’s why I pray that God will keep my eyes on Him and my vision clear. Because true sight isn't about physical vision, it's about discerning what's real. And the only way I can do that is to keep my focus on the author of truth, the only One who sees everything perfectly clearly, from beginning to end, the author of life itself. The clearer I see Him, the clearer I see everything else as well.
God, give us all eyes to see what we need to see ... clearly and truly!
4 comments:
What a good word picture! My husband is an eye cancer survivor, so anything having to do with eyes/sight stands out a little more to me than it probably does to others! I look forward to sharing this post with him. He is now blind in his affected eye, but oh how much more important it is to truly SEE! I pray that your delivery goes well!
Thanks, Amy!
Just found you through reading your article about infertility on the Focus on the Family email. I love all that you are doing - writing and raising kids - very much like me! I also struggled with infertility and after surgery, have had 3 amazing kids (ages 1, 4, 6) and 2 miscarriages, one at 26 weeks. I have a new book with Harvest House this month, "31 Days to a Younger You: No Surgery, No Diets, No Kidding" Great to meet you through your blog and thumbs up for inspiring so many women by your life!!!
Arlene, thanks so much for stopping by and for your encouraging words! MUCH appreciated. And blessings to you on your new book, too.
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