As a follow on from the body parts series of TFTD, I am sharing my recent experience at the optician.
I have been myopic (short-sighted) since I was about 12 years old and have worn glasses continuously since then. (Apart from a brief foray into contact lenses as a student – that’s another tale!)
Because my father had glaucoma, I get called in for a (free) eye test annually. My most recent eye test started with the screening tests; a scan of the back of the eye, a photograph of the back of the eye, a pressure test and the peripheral field test. This one entails clicking a button every time you see a light flash, whilst focusing on a central spot. Anyone who has done this will know the feeling of panic, thinking you’ve missed a light, or clicking by mistake.
Much to my relief I passed all the tests, although my age meant that “early cataracts” and a bit of “A-V nipping”(where the artery crosses over the vein) at the back of the eye were inevitable.
Eventually the optometrist sat back and announced that my short sightedness had improved by a whole dioptre (lens prescription). This was no miracle, but simply a reflection of my ageing eyes!
Being myopic or shortsighted is a colloquial term often used for not seeing what is around us. Sometimes we are spiritually myopic, not seeing Jesus who is alive and living in us. If we pray, study God’s word, listen to God’s voice then our myopia can be improved, not by a new pair of glasses, but by his saving grace.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that though we are sometimes short-sighted, your Holy Spirit gives us clear vision. Thank you that your saving grace can improve our spiritual myopia, and we can be free to see the vibrant colours of your creation. AMEN