Be Thou My Vision

As soon as I put in my contact lenses, I knew there was problem.  The hazy view from my  left eye led me to take out the lens, rewash it and reinsert it.  No change.

I needed to leave for an appointment, so brought along a pair of eyeglasses and lens solution - just in case I needed it.

When I returned home, the lenses had to come out!  Physically and emotionally, the haziness of the day wearied me. I mentally made plans to see an eye doctor.

Upon removing the lenses, I noticed an identical contact lens case in my cabinet.  When I opened the case, I saw another pair of contact lenses - the new pair. I spent the entire day wearing an old pair of contact lenses!  I now wonder why I held onto those old lenses - they no longer provided the vision I needed.

In this season of transformation, I  recognize my tendency to hold onto the "old" just in case I need it later.  In this case, it proved to be unwise and unhelpful.  I do not need an eye doctor - I need to let go of the old and make good use of the new.  "Waking or sleeping" - the presence of the Lord is my light.  Oh for grace to see through His eyes.

But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. Luke 5:38

When have you held onto that which needed to fall off in your life in order to make room for something new?

Nothing Between

Seeing Jesus in the dental chair can be a stretch, but that is what happened to me today.

The kindhearted and technically skilled dentist spent time and tools removing dental plaque hidden deeply in the gums.

As I heard his gentle voice checking in with me:

"How are you doing?" or "Lift up your chin and open as wide as you can", I wanted to obey.  I wanted to cooperate with removing the barriers to oral health.  I wanted nothing between my teeth and gums that would harm the way they worked together.

So, I listened; I obeyed.  I heard the teaching and eagerly nodded my assent to what needed to happen on my end to keep nothing between.  Armed with bristles and floss; water pic and toothpaste, I will keep nothing between.

As I pondered my relationship with the Lord while reading chapter one of Isaiah, I wondered: what hinders my closeness to the Lord?  Is there anything for which I need to repent?  Has the wear and tear of living come between us? 

I made a decision.  I will actively seek to stay in close relationship with the Lord allowing nothing between my soul and the Savior

Not ingratitude, not the "plaque of daily living", not indifference to the sufferings of people, not the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, nor the pride of life.

Open my eyes Lord.  Help me keep the way clear.  I need to see you.

Nothing between my soul and the Savior, so that His blessed face may be seen...Keep the way clear!  Let nothing between.

How have you seen Jesus today?  Share with those of us who are walking in community.

Hearing and Vision Screening

The school nurse in me chuckled when the picture appeared: sheep in a pink haze. 


The thought came to me: I need my vision checked. 


When I asked (twice!) for the one speaking to repeat what he said, I thought: I need my hearing checked.


In fact, since embarking on the fast that chose me,  I have experienced several instances of spiritual hearing and vision screenings.

I learned how dim my vision and dull my hearing can be at times.  I am thankful for grace that answers the cry of my heart:

OPEN MY EARS LORD AND HELP ME TO LISTEN

OPEN MY EYES LORD I WANT TO SEE JESUS

Seeing and hearing Jesus helps me more clearly see and hear people. 

I am grateful today for: 

#162  ears to hear

#163  eyes to see

#164  the love of God who does not judge by what he sees with his eyes 

#165  the love of God who does not decide by what he hears with his ears

#166  new mercies every morning

#167  new perspective on assignments

#168  renewed heart of gratitude

#169  friends for the journey

#170  loosened chains of injustice

#171  dancing feet now freed