On my driver’s licence, it states that I, Joann Lim Lesiuczok, require corrective lenses. My eyesight is imperfect on its own and thus requires corrective lenses in order for me to see clearly and operate a vehicle safely.
If you were to look at my spiritual driver’s licence, it too would state that I, Joann Lim Lesiuczok, require corrective lenses because left on my own, I am fully flawed, perfectly imperfect, and can be blind to the things that truly matter. I have to get my spiritual eyesight checked way more frequently than the recommended once every two year allotment (for physical sight). I personally believe that spiritual blindness is way more severe and detrimental than physical blindness.
I am nearsighted. So when I take off my glasses/corrective lenses, the world around me is blurry. I can sometimes make things out or recognize faces but you can throw fine detail out the window. This means that if there is a nail on the floor, poop on the grass or a hundred dollar bill on the ground, there’s a good chance that I won’t be able to see it. But when I put my corrective lenses on, everything is clear and I can see the things that I would have missed (which is a good thing since I do not want to a) step on a nail, b) step in poop, or c) miss out on a $100 bill).
This same analogy applies to spiritual corrective lenses and the prescription folks, is always in degrees of LOVE. The more spiritual blind I am, the more LOVE I need (to give). And the truth is, somedays you may even think that I am completely blind. It’s not something I’m proud of and certainly something that I am working on. Pray for me. Please. In these moments, I miss out on the beauty and blessings that are all around me. I stumble upon things easily (I get annoyed, aggravated, and angry). And life, the life I desire to live and the person I long to be, is blurry if not unrecognizable.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.”-John 10:10
I believe that God longs for you and I to be fully present to His presence each moment-to enjoy, savour, and bask in the beauty, brilliance, and blessings each new days brings. The issue arises when we lose sight/vision of what really matters because we are blinded by the spirit of the world. You know, the one that tells us that our worth is defined by what car we drive, how much money we make/have, who we know, where we go on vacation, etc. Our vision becomes compromised when we look to others to tell us who we are; when we compare ourselves to others; and when we focus on what we don’t have and can’t do.
“Comparison is the thief to joy.”-Theodore Roosevelt
The THREE C’s that lead to Spiritual Blindness
1. Comparing
2. Criticizing
3. Complaining
The good news is “You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”-1 John 4:4. And spiritual blindness dear friends…is completely reversible:)
When we put on our lens(es) of love, we find ourselves living each day with courage, confidence, and compassion.
The THREE C’s of Spiritual Clarity
1. Courage
2. Confidence
3. Compassion
So what do I do when I find myself comparing, criticizing, and/or complaining and entering the slippery slope towards spiritual blindness? I get my vision checked.
The THREE C’s to Correct Spiritual Blurriness
1. CHANGE of Scenery. Go for a walk, go to the bathroom, get up from your desk, etc. If that is not possible, close your eyes for a few seconds and take some deep breaths, put on one of your favourite songs, watch a funny video (click here to get you started), check out the smile effect (and perhaps book mark it for regular viewing). Change your view:).
2. CHARGE Up. Just as Vitamin A is essential for physical vision, Vitamin G is essential for spiritual vision. What is Vitamin G you ask? GRATITUDE. The daily recommended amount: the more the better.
“You cannot be thankful and unhappy at the same time.”-Unknown
3. CHOOSE Wisely. There are many things beyond our control but our attitude is one that is completely up to us. When we find ourselves in a funk, we have the choice whether to continue kicking ourselves to the ground or helping ourselves get back up. We have a choice over the words we speak, the people/things we listen to, the people we hang out with,etc. Every moment is an invite to choose again.
Friends, life is meant to be enjoyed. Beauty and blessings are calling your name. They are whispering “I see you. Can you see me?”
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