I Once Was Blind, But Now I See

“Thank you for being my eyes.”

I remember my grandmother relaying her gratitude when I pointed out the layer of mold on top of the preserves she was about to spread on her toast. She lost most of her eyesight due to macular degeneration, so in her nineties, she was completely dependent on others.

I thought of her the other day when I noticed how dirty the baseboards were in my house. Normally, I wear contacts, but lately they’ve irritated my eyes and I’ve resorted to my glasses. Unfortunately, my glasses bother me, too. So I end up walking around the house without them either, and everything appears a little fuzzy. While putting away my Christmas decorations (with glasses on), I noticed a dust bunny habitat and forty-seven layers of dirt I failed to see before.

Without clear vision, I’ve overlooked much. My grandmother would have eaten a big glob of moldy jelly if it weren’t for me making her aware. I wonder what else I’ve missed.

Five years ago, God shook my spiritual journey. I loved the Lord and thought I was following Him closely, but one day my Heavenly Father opened my eyes.

And everything was different.

The people, places and events were the same, but I viewed them differently. Opportunities to recognize God’s glory and share His love were everywhere. At Kroger, I noticed the slump-shouldered mom standing in the middle of the bread aisle, oblivious as I tried to pass by, was actually overwhelmed and couldn’t figure out what she was going to do because she couldn’t afford both the bread and the milk. And the rude woman in line behind me wasn’t really mad at me. She was unhappy with herself.

The man in the pharmacy line that wouldn’t stop talking the day I was in a hurry to pick up meds was really just lonely. There was no one at home. This time as I listened, I picked up on his fresh loss as he mentioned his “late” wife.

The woman in the leggings four sizes too small with the shirt cut four levels too low at the mall didn’t know what real love was. She was looking to be noticed; she wanted to feel special.

You see, everywhere I turned there were delicate souls searching for anyone to reach out to them. These people didn’t just pop up yesterday; they’ve been here all along.

“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:25 NIV

Once you’ve been given that kind of sight, the thought of ignoring these people is as repulsive as eating moldy jelly. You could try to close your eyes to take a bite, but you just can’t do it.

As you begin 2012, I pray you ask God to give you new sight. Ask Him to open your eyes to the people you can help. Together, we can make a difference.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 NIV

Carol Hatcher

CAROL HATCHER is a wife, mother, teacher, and writer. She taught elementary school for six years when she traded being called “Mrs. Hatcher” for “Mommy.”Carol is a graduate of Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks and has served on faculty for the Glorieta Christian Writer’s Conference. Her publishing credits include P31 Woman Magazine, The Upper Room, Thriving Family, CBN.com, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. She is co-author of Your First Year of Motherhood published by Guideposts. She writes devotions for the Internet Cafe, 5 Minutes for Faith, and The Presidential Prayer Team.Carol and her husband, Alan, live in Buford, Georgia with their three children. She and Alan teach marriage classes at their church as well as lead marriage conferences. They hope to encourage others to create marriages that last.Whether writing or speaking, Carol combines her southern humor with her love for Jesus to share how we can learn from our everyday experiences and grow closer to God. Her passion is to challenge others to be bold for Christ by saying, “Use me, Lord” each and every day.Stop by and visit the flock at her personal website “sheep to the right.”

More Posts - Website - Twitter