Vision – One Day Wonders with JBK

Have you ever read something, where the story line grips you and will not let go? This one keeps rewinding—playing over and again in my mind. It is worth sharing and may mean something to you too.

It is one that brings my friend Sally to mind—her life was a contrast to what I read. But more about her in a minute.

The story has two main characters, both men considered to be do-gooders. Cornell, a Roman soldier with high enough authority that he had men under his service. He was a praying man, sensitive to the needs of others—he routinely was a help and encouragement. But never imagined how the future was going to play out.

Having never met this Jesus, Cornell had a thirst to learn more about him. He heard the legendary stories—but wanted more. He had this dream-like vision that he should send his men to get Pete. Bring him back here and listen to what he says.

Pete was a follower of Jesus. Knowing him well enough to go around telling others the message he had for mankind. Pete too, had a dream-like vision. To do something that would have been taboo in the current society. Pete’s vision included a message from Jesus. Essentially saying, “Do it.”

Pete did—the end result was a miracle in the making. Cornell’s whole family made a personal decision, right then and there.

What I did not share with you was the full message Cornell got. Jesus told him he saw how Cornell lived his life, praying for others and selflessly giving to those in need. In certain circles, one could say his life was a blessing.

But about Sally. She knows Jesus too. Like Cornell, she has a sensitive heart. Only Sally does not live exactly like Cornell. She has a comfortable life—and prays, but not so much for others. Wondering why she doesn’t get the answers she would like. Discontent might be a good way to describe her life.

You can read the story yourself—it’s an eye-opener. Check out the Good Book, Acts chapter ten. There is good stuff to dig out of it—ya never know how it could play out in your own life..

Good heavens girl, what is your problem? There are thousands, maybe millions of people, that would give anything to be in your situation.

I had just left my eye doctors office. The report indicated there was very little change in my vision. Prior to my appointment I had geared myself up for getting new lenses. I was ready.

The glasses I wear now are three years old. At the time, I had chosen, to step away from the transition lenses I’ve had in the past and try something different. I opted for a tiny magnet on them that held magnetized sunglasses when needed. I don’t like different. No surprise there!

When I step in from outside, I must stop to remove the sunglasses and put them in a safe place in my purse. They are fragile. Is there really a safe place in a woman’s purse? Not likely. Likewise, when going outside, I stop to fish my sunglasses out to put them on.

That, my friends is called a first world problem. Wah, wah ,wah.

In fairness, I should say I am getting new glasses, but they are strictly for working at the computer. I’m eager to get these prescription lenses as it has been a challenge writing. Currently, I find myself wearing my glasses together with regular computer glasses. There is a fine line ‘window’ of where my vision is good and I end of nodding my head up and down as if saying yes. Hope you enjoyed that little mental picture.

Have you ever noticed there are some people you can’t please? Apparently I am one of them. It’s the little things in life that can be big if you are dealing with them on a daily basis. No one enjoys inconvenience.

Even so, I can’t help but wonder if inconvenience could be a flag waving for us to realign our thinking. We live in an age of convenience and comfort. While we take selfies of our pleasurable moments, it can also lead to idle time ill-used.

Maybe if our society took a more hands-on approach, we would feel better about ourselves. In the formative years of our country, people worked together to meet needs. Or so I have read. Folks put their heart and hand to the task to build a life. At the end of the day there was a satisfaction in meeting a challenge.

Another by product was appreciation for a can-do attitude. That is what Solomon found to be true. He dabbled in a bunch of stuff, experimenting with what brought him the most pleasure. He discovered the most rewarding thing was, believe it or not…WORK! You can read all about his experiences in Ecclesiastes.

There is a pride in accomplishment and nothing feels better than feeling self-satisfaction.

NOTE TO SELF: Be thankful for the abilities I have each day that can so easily be taken for granted. Like vision.

Tag: Vision

A Story Gripper

Looking Reality in the Eye