Having eyes to see . . .

Just last week I saw my doctor for my annual vision checkup, and he ordered new glasses for me. So it stands to reason that vision is foremost on my mind.

And, in giving a lot of thought to sight, and seeing, these past few days, I’ve been reminded of some truths about eyesight and what we see.

Often, witnesses in criminal trials give different versions of what they have seen in reference to a crime. Although they’ve witnessed the same crime, they’ve seen it differently. The same seems to hold true when we look at a person. While we all may see the individual’s physical features the same, we still may “see” that person differently.

We each have our own frame of reference (all the “baggage” we carry around with us), and this influences how we “see” things.

We may not like him or her, for some reason; we may not approve of things that individual has done; we may not like the way he or she talks, or the way he or she is dressed. There could be many reasons for how we feel about someone, but these things influence what we “see” when we look at that person.

In my last blog I spoke of being excited about the inauguration of our new president, Donald J. Trump, and all he has promised to do. I’m aware that there are many who voice their disapproval of President Trump—that we all do not “see” him the same.

However, I’ve been deeply concerned about our country and what has been happening (inflation, increase in crime, the open border, the loss of certain freedoms, etc.), and I believe President Trump will do his best to bring about a change and make things better.

When I see President Trump, I see a man who has changed . . . is changing. I see a man who now seems not as rough around the edges. I see a man who now speaks more freely about God, and his belief in God. And most important, I see a man who has a good heart . . . a heart of compassion. He seems to really care about people, about America, and what is right.

In the Bible we are told that God does not see as man sees, that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7, paraphrased.) May we all strive to see . . . as God sees.

Grace and peace to all,

Mary Emma