"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV)
My time in the hospital this past weekend has 'opened my eyes' to the many meanings of the word 'vision.' True vision is not only what we see with our eyes, but also what we see with our hearts and minds.
Christ had perfect 20/20 vision didn't He? Vision to build His church here on earth and vision to know what He would be asked to suffer and endure to bring that vision to fruition. Still, even seeing His death as part of God's greater plan, He chose to persevere and fulfill His Father's vision. He died so that each of us would be able to experience His vision of eternal life.
I experienced a time this past weekend without vision, the physical ability to see. But, I also experienced vision in a greater sense - that my loss of sight enabled me to 'see' with greater clarity how inter-dependent we are. I had to trust and rely on others to meet my needs. Sometimes those needs were anticipated without my need to say a word, other times I had to ask for those needs to be met (the latter most difficult for me). I also ‘saw’ with greater understanding how God has been working in and through my illnesses and my life. From overt things, such as bringing classmates of mine together once again to help me. But, He has been working in overt ways as well through the many people who pray for me each day and who prayed in particular that my sight be restored.
I think throughout these illnesses God has been trying to prepare me for what is ultimately to come - my physical decline and eventual death. I have wanted to block my vision of those two things and the path that leads to them. He, however, has wanted to make me ‘see’ that by facing what is to come, and facing death with God’s love in the forefront, that I will gain true vision and sight of the Kingdom that awaits me. He has also taught me that I don’t need two eyes to ‘see’ what waits for me. Even without physical sight, the vision of all that is waiting for us in heaven is ours for the asking if we but let God’s light shine in each of our hearts and minds and as we share His love with each other.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame Football fan. Denny lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating Polyneuropathy and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the
Your devotion meant so much to me as my declining health also allows me to see things in a new light thru the eyes of the spirit. The spirititual eyes allow me to see peace joy and meaning in my life instead of the pain, fatigue and only sickness. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Hope your recovery goes well - keep writing!
Posted by: Janet | July 17, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Your devotional was so inspirational to me. It's given me a new perspective on some things I needed. Thank you.
Posted by: Crystal Dunn | July 17, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Denny,
Hang in there! Still praying for you.
I benefit from your devotionals so much. You do such a good job of putting into words the messages that I need to hear! Thanks!
Pat H.
Posted by: Pat | July 17, 2008 at 06:36 AM