The Eyes Have It

When you look into the mirror, what color are the eyes peeking back at you…hazel, blue, brown, green, gray, black or perhaps a little red from all the blog reading? Throughout my life, I've been said to have dreamy or sleeping eyes. Eyes come in all shapes and sizes but there essential purpose remains the same-to see.

However, several people looking at the exact same scene often see very different things. Such is the case of many of the people in Bible times (just as we are today). The deeply religious Pharisees and Saducees were exposed to the same teachings and miracles of Jesus. Yet they were unable to see that He was indeed the Messiah in which they searched the Scriptures. Even the disciples were privy to close encounters with Jesus seeing first hand his many wonderous works but on several occasions He rebuked them for not being able to perceive who He was really. Looking and seeing does not automatically translate into perceiving what is seen. Matthew 13: 13-14 This why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

I've worn glasses or contacts for several years due to a condition called myopia or nearsightedness as it's commonly known. Myopia is a condition in which one can see things close up but things at a distance appear blurred. Another definition of myopia is a lack of discernment or long range perspective in thinking or planning. Reminds me of how sometimes in life , we're so busy looking at the everyday things that we fail to see the glorious works of God being displayed before our eyes. It was myopia, that prevented the woman at the well from seeing Jesus as the source of everlasting water. Enveloped with daily struggles, myopia prevents me from perceiving they are producing endurance, character, and hope within me.

And what about those who are always looking into the future, planning for a later date and time. Waiting before enjoying, encouraging, or enlightening themselves and others. Certainly preparation for the future is important but not so much that it eludes us of partaking in today's blessings and joys.

So how does one correct their eyesight so that they're not just looking but perceiving. The Message's translation of Matthew 6:22-23 offers a few suggestions like opening your eyes in wonder and belief. Distrust and greed causes distorted vision. Essentially being open and receptive leads to more understanding.

Photo Credit: Chispita_666 via Flickr