Have you ever tried to find a light switch in the black darkness of night? As we stretch our arms out, we slowly feel our way to the wall. We think if we stretch our arms out that will protect us from hitting the wall, but we sometimes stub our toes and stumble in the darkness. Once you think you’ve found the wall where the light is located, you run your fingers all around to find the switch. What a feeling of helplessness trying to find anything in the dark! That’s one moment where I can relate to those who have lost their sight. I think of my mother who cannot see her face in the mirror due to macular degeneration of her eyes, and how she doesn’t let that keep her down. She finds ways around her handicap, and uses magnifying glasses with bright LED lights to see the stove, dishwasher, recipes, and other gadgets so she can still function. She doesn’t wallow in self pity, and she still looks at you when she talks just as if she can still see every curve of your face.
Many of us who can see just fine are spiritually blinded. We don’t want to believe in a higher power, and we would rather walk around with blinders on our eyes and remain in the dark. When we do this, we don’t open ourselves up to any of the greatness and goodness that surrounds us on a daily basis. As I walk this morning in nature, I’m reminded of God’s messages in birds. The vibrant red cardinal that sits in the brown lifeless branches reminds me of hope, the cooing of the doves reminds me to stay peaceful through the storms of my life, and the multiple bluejays that keep flying in front of me, reminds me to protect my young. Nature tells a story if we open up to listen to the calls. When we open our eyes, and peel back the layers that keep us spiritually blinded, we open up a new world where light shines so brightly that it illuminates our lives.
Matthew 13:15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them. Jeremy Camp Song attached. The Way.