"Whether we are pursuing our cherished creatures or following the crucified Christ, may we never lose our way."
As some of you know, I have a pretty rare eye/neurological condition known as blaphrospasm. My eyes will clamp shut resulting in what the doctors refer to as “functional blindness.” A side effect of this condition is severe light sensitivity. Because of this, I pretty much wear shades all the time now. As my quarterly treatments begin to wane, so does my ability to drive. Therefore, I must rely on others as my form of transportation.
During a recent trip to run some errands, my father volunteered to be my chauffeur. As I sat in the passenger seat of my Z71, shades on and eyes closed, my father remarked “Boy, you sure keep a clean truck. I can barely see the road.” I pried my eyes open and looked out the windshield. Surprisingly, I could see the road fine.
Then, I realized I was wearing polarized sunglasses. They are designed to knock the reflection of transparent items, such as water and glass, so individuals (i.e. fisherman and functionally-blind passengers) can see through it more easily. So, I removed my glasses. Through squinted eyes, I could see the blaring reflection of papers, mail I forgot to bring in, Sonic cups, beef jerky wrappers, various forms of shiny ammunition, toilet paper, tools, gator hooks, a Bible, ball gloves, empty Gatorade bottles, spinnerbaits, camo caps, seashells from the Gulf, my son’s backpack and something that resembled an urn (To be on the safe side, when we got home I found a shady spot in the yard, sang a few bars of “Old Rugged Cross” and planted it.)
I can recall remarking to my father how these polarized shades were a good investment. I may never have to clean off my dashboard again. Then I also recalled what the Word says about how God sees us. Hebrews 10:14 says “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” When God looks at me through the lens of forgiveness, He doesn’t see the train wreck I am. He sees me as one of His perfect, holy children.
So, the next time you slip on a pair of polarized glasses, remember how the Father can look through the mess and see the masterpiece. The glasses can also help erase the messes of this life that seem to congregate on dashboards.
Like the Ben Dupree-Author page on Facebook for book ordering information, speaking engagement bookings and future book release dates.
During a recent trip to run some errands, my father volunteered to be my chauffeur. As I sat in the passenger seat of my Z71, shades on and eyes closed, my father remarked “Boy, you sure keep a clean truck. I can barely see the road.” I pried my eyes open and looked out the windshield. Surprisingly, I could see the road fine.
Then, I realized I was wearing polarized sunglasses. They are designed to knock the reflection of transparent items, such as water and glass, so individuals (i.e. fisherman and functionally-blind passengers) can see through it more easily. So, I removed my glasses. Through squinted eyes, I could see the blaring reflection of papers, mail I forgot to bring in, Sonic cups, beef jerky wrappers, various forms of shiny ammunition, toilet paper, tools, gator hooks, a Bible, ball gloves, empty Gatorade bottles, spinnerbaits, camo caps, seashells from the Gulf, my son’s backpack and something that resembled an urn (To be on the safe side, when we got home I found a shady spot in the yard, sang a few bars of “Old Rugged Cross” and planted it.)
I can recall remarking to my father how these polarized shades were a good investment. I may never have to clean off my dashboard again. Then I also recalled what the Word says about how God sees us. Hebrews 10:14 says “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” When God looks at me through the lens of forgiveness, He doesn’t see the train wreck I am. He sees me as one of His perfect, holy children.
So, the next time you slip on a pair of polarized glasses, remember how the Father can look through the mess and see the masterpiece. The glasses can also help erase the messes of this life that seem to congregate on dashboards.
Like the Ben Dupree-Author page on Facebook for book ordering information, speaking engagement bookings and future book release dates.