August 18, 2025
I went on my walk today with new eyes. I relished the sight of a squirrel scampering before me. I took note of the vibrant colours of the surrounding forest. I watched startled birds suddenly take flight. Ducks paddled gracefully on the pond.
When your doctor calls on a Friday evening saying you may be in danger of losing your eyesight and you need to take strong medication immediately, life changes. You no longer take the ability to see for granted. You no longer take life for granted.
At the same time, I’m so grateful to God for preserving my eyesight and, indeed, my life. My retinal TIA (amaurosis fugax) that I had a year and a half ago may well have been a harbinger of this autoimmune disease I’m now fighting — giant cell arteritis. All through this period, my Lord knew what I was facing, even though I’m only now starting to connect the dots. He is in control; he loves me and has my best interests at heart.
I’m such a visual person. I think visually. I write visually as I see the words on the screen. I believe God has awakened me to my task. I’m commissioned to keep writing of his goodness and glory. I had become sidetracked, doubting my purpose and mission. My writing and creativity were in a slump. The books I believe God wants me to still write remained undeveloped.
God knows what we need to wake us up to our calling. He wants us to live in the moment, tuning in to the Holy Spirit, grasping hold of his plan and pursuing it with all our might. As long as I have eyes to see, I will use them for his glory. As long as I have breath to breathe, I will live for him. And when I no longer have either, I will be with him in person, worshipping him and enjoying the glorious new heaven and earth promised to all those who love and believe in him.