Vision

I was in the third grade when I got my first pair of glasses and I’ve had corrective lenses ever sense.  I have worn glasses, hard contacts and currently sport extended wear lenses that allow me to sleep in my contacts.  The reason for this reference to my visual acuity is as an illustration of how, sometimes, how we see needs to be changed.  Sure, my parents could have just ignored my vision problems and I would have failed at school, in sports and throughout life as a whole; but, they sought to help me see better and I have been enriched by their decision.  When I became responsible for my optical health I could have regressed back accepting my blurred view and, again, I would have been unsuccessful in many aspects of my life; but, I chose to continue tending to my vision and I enjoy a fulfilling life.

So, how is our vision?  Not our “eye” health; but, our “heart health”?  Does it need to be better – and if so, how can we change it?   As I pondered this issue I discovered three important elements in viewing life effectively:

Reality – We would like to believe we see life accurately; but, most of us look at it through the shaded lenses of our past or our personal perspectives.  We tend to see life as we want it to be or how we have trained ourselves to see it.  True and accurate vision helps us to find balance.  We may not always like what we see; but, reality provides us with the basis for making informed decisions.

Empathy – While it is important to perceive life through our own senses, we can make a difference by seeing things through the eyes of others.  We may not understand things the way they process circumstances and we may not agree with the their rationale; but, when take a look at the world through the eyes of others we can support them where they are.  The New Testament reminds us, “… do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

Spiritually – This is the most important visual adjustment we can make because this is seeing life through the eyes of God.  This perspective blends the truth of the way things are with the hope of how things can be.  We are not shackled by the limitations of the here and now; nor are we jaded by the influence of perspective; we are able to see what is possible.  The Apostle Paul observed, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19)


Are we due for our eye exam?  Are we willing to make the changes God prescribes to us?

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