20/20? Is that all?

A little over a month ago, I had LASIK surgery on both eyes. I had worn glasses or contacts to correct my nearsighted vision since 4th grade, which was over 20 years (for those keeping track at home). Now, I'm finally getting around to putting some of my thoughts down for those of you who didn't hear me share them personally.

It was a positive experience. I had money sitting aside in a FSA, which I would forfeit if it went unused. I don't think I could justify that much money if not for that. On a side note, FSA debit cards are useless if you can't use them to access the funds that are verified to be there... There was no pain involved, but I was NOT prepared for the smell of burning flesh when the laser was working on my eyes. That's a smell you just can't forget. Oh well, the smell only lingered in my nostrils for maybe 15-20 seconds.

Now, a month later, after two followup appointments, I have been able to read the 20/15 line of the charts (first visit- left eye, second visit- right eye), and I feel like my eyes are less dry and irritated than they were. I really like not having to wear glasses or contacts all the time. It is great to be able to wear real sunglasses now too. Admittedly, I occasionally still catch myself thinking about where I put my glasses.

But, the real reason for this post is to share the verse/thoughts that went through my head in the days following the procedure. After I initially tested 20/15 in my left eye and 20/20 in my right eye, the question "Is that all?" coupled with a verse from 1 Corinthians 13 came to my mind. The verse says, "Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now." (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT)

The word the NLT translates as "imperfectly" is translated as "dimly" in the NASB. According to the Strong's Numbers, this is the only time this word appears. What's really cool, though, is what the Greek word is. Transliterated, the word is ainigma. That's right, the English word enigma comes from this Greek word. Therefore, we now see things as a riddle or an obscure thing, but then we will see with perfect clarity or "face to face" as the NASB translates it. In the latter part of the verse, where the NLT uses "partial and incomplete" is the Greek word meros, which can also be translated as a piece or a part. So the picture I get from this is that of a puzzle. When I do a puzzle, I start with the edge pieces, until the perimeter is complete. Then I move on to the pieces that are obvious on the box. So, in life, we see the pieces, but we don't always know how they are supposed to fit together. God, who is the master builder, wants to use each piece to create a beautiful picture that demonstrates His glory! Don't mistake the pieces you can see for the whole picture. He has a lot more He wants to reveal in and through you.

Songs in my head on Easter

There were four songs that were going through my head on and off yesterday (Easter).

1. Days of Elijah by Robin Mark.

I have been rereading through the Psalms and came to Psalm 68:4 "Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD--rejoice in his presence!". Later in the same chapter, it says, "Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth. Sing praises to the Lord. Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens, his mighty voice thundering from the sky." (68:32-33)

2. Revelation Song written by Jennie Lee Riddle, as sung by Kari Jobe.

Revelation 5 paints Easter from a different, broader perspective. The Lamb is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals because He was slaughtered (rose from the dead) and His blood ransomed people for God from every tribe, language, people and nation.

3. Dora the Explorer Theme Song.

My youngest sister, who is eleven, was humming something that sounded like Dora's theme song. I started singing the theme song to bug her. She claims to not like Dora anymore, but that doesn't stop us from teasing her as if she still does.

4. If It Had Not Been by Margaret J. Douroux.

This is an old gospel song, which came to my mind because a couple of people close to me are going through similar tough situations I have had to face in my own life. God is faithful, and He's the One who brought me through. Of course there are better recordings of this song, but I selected this one because, like the guy in the video (said), I probably wouldn't be here if it had not been for the Lord.

All Scripture references in this post came from the NLT.

Question for Everyone

Over the years, I have noticed a tendency, in others and in myself. I would like to hear what others think, too. The tendency is to avoid mature brothers or sisters in Christ when we're going through a rough patch (due to sin, bondage, pride or whatever). Is it that we're ashamed and/or fearful that someone might hold us accountable or ask a pointed question? The flip side of this tendency is that we overly involve ourselves in common (worldly) things like entertainment or social gatherings. Could it be we're lonely, looking for something/someone to fill us?

What are your thoughts?