I was in fourth grade when my long-awaited glasses finally arrived. During the summer between third and fourth grade, my dad and I went to Denver. He had a doctor’s appointment and I had an eye doctor’s appointment. I picked out my glasses, we went to the Denver Zoo, Dad went to the doctor, and we headed home to Montrose. Months — it felt like years — later, my glasses came in the mail. They were tortoise shell ovals — very hip. I was immensely thankful for them, I could finally see the chalk board where Mrs. Stokes would write tests. I had failed a few timed tests already that year because I couldn’t see the questions or problems. Of course, the usual nicknames came with the glasses — they called me 4-Eyes. Since I could finally see, I was fine with that.

My sister, Gayla, got her first pair of glasses when she was around the same age. They say that when she first put them on, she was amazed by what she could see. The fact that trees had leaves that could actually be seen as individual items amazed her — and made our parents cry. Imagine going through life not seeing, but believing that you were.

How many times do I go through life believing that I can see, but not truly doing so?

First of all, I am oblivious to much that is around me. I am aware of what should be there and because of that, I will often miss the “little” changes. In 8th grade English, my teacher asked us to write down what we saw as we looked out our window or walked out of our house that morning. Every morning, I did the dishes and could see the adobe hills and Buck Horn — a mountain across the valley from our home. He read it, then looked at me and told me I hadn’t been very observant. Apparently that morning the valley and mountains were covered by clouds. I had missed it. Since then I’ve tried to be more observant, but I am not always very successful. If I am oblivious to the little “things” am I also oblivious to the “big” things?

Then of course there are the wonders that surround me — I tend to take them for granted. Just as I was oblivious to that morning so many years ago, I often take the beauty in people and in this amazing area where I live for granted. We’ve learned to love going on cruises. Because we are in the tropical areas for such a short time, we soak it in. We savor our time, take hundreds of pictures (I think it was 1300 on the last cuise), we memorize smells and flavors, we create memories. Later, on those cold Colorado winter days, I pull out a memory of a tropical beach and I enjoy it. In doing so, do I forget to treasure the cool, clear, crisp moments, the mountains, the snow fall, the puppy, the house, and all of the wonders that surround me?

When I’m thinking like this, I have to ask myself if I truly see the people who are in my life. Do I see their hurts and fears? Am I able to notice when they are overwhelmed and in need of an encouraging word? An amazing lady from our church saw Mr. Gorgeous at the lumber yard earlier this week. While she was there, she gave him some encouraging words that were an incredible blessing to both of us. When I am around people, do I truly understand their needs? Naturally I have to wonder if, when I see their concerns, I am willing to help? And, have I allowed enough time in my schedule to be available to them when they have a need? God did not intend us to fill our days so full with doing things that we are unable to set aside our “schedule” to be available to one of His children. My mom use to say that we shouldn’t be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. This starts, I believe, with seeing those around us — and then, being available to them to meet their needs . . . and to allow them to reach into my life and perhaps, to encourage and bless me as well.

One last thought, with my “4-eyes,” do I see God? Do I see Him in this world to which I am often oblivious? Do I see Him in the amazing wonders that I take for granted? Am I able to recognize Him in the smile, the words, the actions, and the lives of the people around me? Do I see Him — truly see Him? He is working in this world and in our lives. I need to make sure that my eyes are open and that I notice what He does and how He is at work.

I’ve discovered that when I’m frustrated or confused or sad, I have a tendency to be oblivious about God’s work and I take what He does for me, in me, and through me for granted. I need to put on my spiritual glasses and truly SEE God. He blesses, provides, encourages, and loves me. How can I not see that?