I Was Blind and Now I See
By Stephen V. Hatch of Leawood, KS, USA
He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” -John 9:25 NRSV
A few years ago I attended an event at the Kallara Campgrounds in Australia. I was told it was a great place to see a koala living in its natural habitat. I had seen them in zoos, but I wanted to see one in the wild. I took a walk at least twice a day to look for koalas…to no use. Every time I would start out excited at the possibility of seeing a koala, but would return disappointed. I varied my walks, leaving at different times and going different routes. No luck. Others walked with me or followed different paths to help me see a koala. Still, no luck.
On the last day, my son Andrew offered to go with me, even though I was feeling pessimistic about seeing a koala. I had had so many disappointments that week and figured this would be just one more failed effort. As we walked, I shared with him my disappointment and said that I had given up hope of seeing one. Andrew then said, “Well, what about that one?” There in a tree I had walked right past was a koala. His eyes had seen what I hadn’t. His fresh new vision could find what I walked past. We never know what we are blind to, or what we will see when we look through the eyes of another.
Prayer Phrase
God, may my deep hope align with your deep vision. Release in me anything that keeps me from freely following your Spirit. Amen.
Invitation to Spiritual Practice
Spiritual Freedom
Breathe deeply as you enter a time of silence. Become gently attentive to what may be restricting you from faithfully responding to the divine invitation in your life. Are there priorities, attachments, tasks, or motivations competing for your response? What does freedom for God look or feel like in you this day?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
