A plate FULL = Life

Today on the way to my optometrist appointment, Ron and I were talking. He mentioned people having “a lot on their plate”. I responded, “Yes life is like a full plate of issues… Lord I want to go on a “Diet”. Will you take away some things on my plate?” I know others would like less problems and more joy. In this fallen world though, we will have struggles and trials. I guess it’s all in how we respond and who we cast the burden on.

Seeing an optometrist was a new experience today. Walking into Target to get my eyes checked was much less intimidating than seeing an ophthalmologist. The examination room was pretty much the same set up as my other doctor. This doctor was so kind and took the time to listen to my concerns and try to optimize what I presently see. We started with the chart on the wall. I could see the big E and the next line. The third line I could partially see. I explained I don’t see it all. Some of the letters I don’t see. If I look to the right of what I am trying to see, it looks a little better. Same thing happens when I look slightly below what I’m viewing. We tried different lens which brought a little clarity but not much. We went on to check to see if reading glasses would help. There is a slight improvement but she said prescription glasses were so pricey it might not be worth the cost. She said to try 3.25 strength reading glasses. There was the temptation to shed some tears because once again there was really nothing that could help much. She said to speak LIFE over my eyes and vision. I sure did appreciate that! In 49 years of eye exams, that was a first! My doctor actually spoke life into my situation.

Ron and I left the appointment and we’re heading to get groceries. We decided to stop at a Walgreens on a whim, to try out some 3.25 reading glasses. Ron found some and I went around the store seeing if I could see any better. There was a slight improvement. In the greeting card section, I could read the category markers: birthday, baby boy, baby girl, etc. We decided to buy the glasses and Ron immediately opened them for me. I was excited to try them out in the grocery store. In the produce section I noticed “Pink lady” apples. I had never seen that before. Ron usually finds most things in the store but with the glasses I was trying. I found the fresh shredded parmesan cheese in the deli. Although Ron saw a cheaper variety so he helped me with that selection. I wanted to see if I could notice differences on canned tomatoes. I asked Ron if it said fire roasted diced tomatoes and I was right. When he was checking out, I looked at magazine covers and was able to make out more than usual, although still not a substantial amount. But these tiny improvements made my heart happy.

When I got home I tried them out while texting my mom. I wanted to let her know about my appointment. I can see the iPad keyboard a little bit better. Usually I have so many typos it could crack you up with laughter or make you cry. I typed a text and sent it without editing it. I explained what I was doing to test out if I could see while texting better. There ended up being just a few typos and it wasn’t too much of a puzzle. Each of these tiny improvements are a win.

If you have good vision, you have such a huge treasure. If you have good hearing as well, then your cup of blessings runneth over. Seriously! Sometimes while reading on social media, I notice when people complain about every little thing. I just shake my head and think, if they only knew. Life happens to us all. Don’t sweat the small things. Live in the moment and don’t worry about tomorrow or what people think. I told the doctor today that some people don’t understand I look slightly beside them when talking to them. I’ve had people to try to get in my “line of vision”. I just happen to see a little better when I am looking to the side or slightly down. I’m not being rude, it’s just how my eyes work. She said not to worry about what people think. She’s right.

So tonight I am wearing my new reading glasses while blogging. I see my iPad keyboard slightly better. Ron took thee picture of me blogging. This is me! Every little victory is worth a celebration dance, I’m so thankful for my husbands support. He actually might understand a bit more about the way I see now because the doctor took the time. He is such a big help and doesn’t complain about taking me places. I’m thankful to the Lord for my many blessings. I’m also thankful that God can fix what’s broken in my body. All in His perfect tim, according to His perfect will.

On another note, I hit my two year blogging anniversary recently. In two years I have written 150 blog post and had 4,459 views. The blogs have been read in United Kingdom, China, India, Ireland, Canada, United States, Kenya, Philippines, Ecuador, and so many more. I am totally shocked and humbled. I don’t have a proud bone in my body. I know it’s only through God it has come this far. Many weeks I wonder if it’s my last week because I feel there is nothing to say, then the Lord speaks to my heart once again and I begin to type. One blog at a time, spreading encouragement and God’s light to a world in need of HOPE. Yes it can be tough but God has us and leads us every step of the way. To God be the glory!

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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