Blessings In Disguise

My optometrist is a dear Forever Brother. I met him years ago when You, Lord, moved him and his partner to mobilize comprehensive eye care for the uninsured, needy patients we serve at Samaritan’s Touch Care Center. The Christ-centered medical facility You miraculously raised up out of nothing in our impoverished rural county.

I have been supporting their practice ever since, thanking them with my healthcare business since I am insured. What a blessing vision is, Lord! Without prescription glasses, my world would be very small.

The expression “blind as a bat” comes to mind.  🙂  “I was blind, but now I see!”  (John 9:25)  🙂

Today, I was there to check my eyesight. I also learned how You’ve been checking his eyesight, Lord. In ways the blindest bat could never appreciate.

Last Fall, he went to a major school reunion marking the passage of time in decades. He had attended a Christian school. Surprisingly, he was asked to preach the sermon. He quickly pointed out he’s a lecturer, not a preacher. He told me the title for his talk.

“Living More Simply in A Complicated World.”

As he prepared, You opened his eyes to something he hadn’t fully grasped before. He reflected back on the Valleys in his life. Especially the most recent one, involving a loved one’s illness and death. He called it “the Best Worst Time” in his life.

He knew I would understand. He’s read my book, Victory in The Valley. More importantly, he’s witnessed that Victory in my life.

He used to think Blessings were things we prayed for and got. Curses were things we didn’t want, but got anyway. Until You gave him eyes to see. Often, it’s the opposite. Some Blessings turn into Curses. And even the worst Curse can became the greatest Blessing.

When did that Revelation emerge? During that “Best Worst Time” in his life. He would have gladly traded the circumstances. He would never trade what You did there. When he finally — fully — gave himself over to You and said, “This is beyond me, Lord. Have Your way.”

It’s time for him to do that every day. Not just whenever his back is against the wall. He’s learning to make You his First (not Last) Resort. The very essence of the first Secret You whispered to me in the Valley of the Shadow:

“Admit the obvious. You’re not in control. So turn to the Only One who is.”

Not easy, perhaps… but simple enough.

Today, You whispered again. I said: “I guess you like ‘Blessings’ by Laura Story.” He’s never heard this song… but he will. Today. It’s the musical version of his sermon. Yet another of Your Blessings to him.

“What if Your blessings come through raindrops? What if Your healing comes through tears?… …  What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life Is the revealing of a Greater Thirst this world can’t satisfy? What if trials in this life are your mercies in disguise?

What if… indeed.

Abba’s Girl

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