New sight

A few thoughts on ‘seeing’, inspired by my son Malcolm’s new glasses;

Malcolm’s been having headaches for over a year, and immediately we visited the MD, and the Optometrist and had his eyes tested. They were fine a year ago, but when we returned for his annual eye exam, his eyes had changed. Our friend and optometrist Dave Grimes said, “Malcolm, you need glasses.” We were surprised, Malcolm especially, because he didn’t know he needed them. He had no idea that what he saw when he looked around his world was not as it should be.

I’ve been thinking on the things that says to me, and thought I’d share those thoughts with you today;

• We sometimes don’t know our vision is blurred… Malcolm put on his new glasses and immediately said, “Wow, I can’t believe that it was that bad… now I can see details in things that I didn’t know were missing.” My son Graeme said, “But, I thought you’d know if you couldn’t see.” “Nope,” said Malcolm, “I had no idea.” Wow!

• To see means to lift your eyes from the ground or the path and look up at what surrounds you… THAT is perspective. One might have to step back a little to see the big picture, and on a regular basis. I suggest that taking time out for a mountain top view is best. For me that means a time away from everything, and a time to connect with the one with the grand vision… God.

• To continue to see properly, one has to clean one’s glasses. Malcolm does this regularly because he now knows the difference between seeing and not seeing and values his new sight. Daily cleaning is required.

• To see properly can mean the end of headaches, fatigue, frustration…Malcolm’s glasses mean no more Extra Strength Tylenol. I don’t know about you, but I can do without some of those things in my life too.

• Each person sees differently and sees different things… we are blessed by living in relationships with others that help focus our sight by sharing theirs… spouses, families, friends, work associates, faith communities can all do this for us.

• Sometimes we need to be reminded to ‘look’ because we’re human, we get our heads down and work away and forget about the beautiful view. I’m amazed at the number of verses in the Bible that say, “Look and see”, or “Lift up your head”. I need reminding. Even with glasses on, Malcolm still needs to look up.

• Often what I want is to see everything. Who do I think I am… God? Seeing in the moment is really all I can ask for. God sees the rest and takes care of it. He promised he would and he does. I need to believe that to the best of my ability.

• The message on the eye chart to the left says… (can you see it?)… “You can rarely see what is right under your nose.” but I disagree.We have a choice in this… it is within our grasp to change our vision, see clearly, look up, and see amazing things. Can you see it? I catch glimpses and find myself craving more. And the more I focus on God, the better I feel I see. That’s me… what about you?

On the path, trying to keep my eyes on the view,

Lesley-Anne