6/365 corrective lenses 2020

my word for the day:

trepidation

1: a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : APPREHENSION

I opened my eyes this morning and was filled with trepidation. After getting "spanked" the last two days I was not eager to ask God for clearer vision of myself, so all day, as I packed up Christmas stuff and washed loads of bedding I peeked-squinted-half "looked" for what He wanted me to see and hesitantly listened for what He wanted me to hear.

Nothing.

Nada.

Zip.

Zero.

Zilch.

Until a few minutes ago.

Last Thursday I had my yearly eye exam. Even though my vision hasn't changed, Dr. Fannin asked if I was having any problems he needed to be aware of. 

"You know, it's amazing. When I use those things you wrote a prescription for to correct my vision, I can see very clearly. When I don't, well, seeing is a little more difficult."

His reply, as he chuckled, was something along the lines of "That's amazing isn't it."

There was no need to order new glasses. I have four different pair.

top to bottom:

bifocals

reading glasses

distance glasses

sun glasses

Tonight that whole conversation came to mind. The bifocals and readers are in almost new condition. I have had the bifocals for four years, the readers one. But I rarely use them. I can't seem to get the hang of the bifocals and the readers-well, often I don't take the time to put them on since I can still "see" without them. 

The sunglasses are the oldest pair. I have used them the most because they make driving easier and identifying players on the soccer field possible. The regular distance glasses are a must when I am driving when it is anything other than sunny and for night games. All four of these pairs of glasses are prescription corrective, and if I used them, seeing clearly would be a breeze. I wouldn't have to wonder who is on stage or across the gym. The fault is not in the glasses, it is in the wearer.

God has "prescribed" several disciplines to help me to see clearly. (And I ask Him daily to open my eyes.)

I pray throughout the day, and sometimes the night too.

I read my Bible almost every morning.

I give regularly.

I lead small group when I can.

I attend church weekly.

There are other things at my disposal to "pick up" and "put on". They would definitely improve my ability to see God, life, myself and others more clearly. But they require more effort and energy and I am guilty of neglecting or refusing to use them.

studying the Bible but it only happens when I am preparing to speak or teach-where I take time to dig in and compare passages, look for answers to the questions I have about words or ideas rather than skipping over them as opposed to reading a chapter or portion of one.

memorizing the Word or even reviewing verses I have already committed to memory hasn't happened in years

fasting is something I know I should do but is less a part of my life than the bifocals are

regular accountability happens about as often as I use those readers

It's no wonder there are a lot of "fuzzy"  and out of focus things around me.