Clouded Vision.

Thursday, September 01, 2011
Clouded Vision. My parents have had a pool for the biggest part of my life. They had an above ground early on, and in my early teen years they had an in-ground put in. If you know anything about pools or pool maintenance, you know that chlorine is the secret ingredient that keeps the algae and bugs from taking over. If you know anything about chlorine, you know that it does a number on your eyes.
I remember getting out of the pool after swimming for a long time and having vision that was slightly clouded. My problem was that I would swim under water without goggles, opening my eyes as if it were no big deal. The result would be bloodshot eyes and messed up sight for a few minutes afterward. And that clouded sight would change everything my eyes laid themselves on.
Our lives can be the same way. Have you ever noticed that when you wake up in a negative mood, almost everything around you has a negative tint to it? Nothing seems to be right, everyone seems to be trying to get on your last nerve, traffic is worse than normal, etc. Even those things which would normally bring a smile to your face only cause you to grunt and grimace. And all this because of clouded vision. We can experience just the opposite, though.
I think there’s a difference between an optimist and a person of faith. The optimist sees everything as positive, even when they aren’t. It’s almost as if they are detached from reality to an extent. A person of faith sees things for what they are, whether good or bad. But even in that reality, they see an unseen Hand that’s going to make it all ok. They don’t call everything “good”, but they know that “God will make all things work together for the good of those who are the called according to His purpose.” And that makes it all ok.
I’ll admit that at times in my life my vision has been clouded by negativity and fear. I have experienced parts of the journey when I didn’t think I’d ever find my footing again. My trials weren’t any harder than anyone else’s – I just had clouded vision. But eventually, if we ask Him to, God can clear us up.
I’m walking in sunshine today. Though things can still go wrong, I ask Him to show me His hand through it all. That doesn’t mean I’ll always understand. As a matter of fact, I probably understand less now than I ever have. But I understand Who is in charge, and that makes all the difference.
They say hindsight is 20/20, and maybe that’s the way it’s supposed to be. The truth is I can look at where I am now in so many aspects of my life that bring me joy and excitement and see His hand steering my past heartaches in this direction. Though my vision was clouded then, I can see more clearly by the day. And He can do the same for you starting right now. All you have to do is ask.
PS: Keep praying for Marty, Jordan, and baby Morgan Summers. They finally got to hold their little bundle of joy last night! They have some more news and decisions in the coming days, but they’re trusting in Him to lead and guide step by step. Also keep praying for Mary – God is doing a work in her that only He can claim credit for! It’s amazing that when the doctors give no hope God has a way of doing the unexplainable and getting the credit!



That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

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