Who Would Prefer Blindness? Walking in the Dark
27 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: blindess, color differentiating, darkness, God, Health, Jesus, John, light of world, Matthew, Salt and Light, seeing when blind
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:16)
Who would prefer blindness? Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? When we are suddenly thrust into darkness by a storm, an uneasy feeling overtakes us. We stumble and grope our way to a flashlight. The light guides and calms us.
Years ago I taught students with visual impairments. I taught the students to use their senses which were not limited. Their visual sense was viewed as a weakness, not useful at all. But then the thinking changed. Since most individuals who are blind are not in complete darkness, any small amount of vision could provide useful information.
For thirteen years of his life, Billy kept his eyes closed. I began to teach Billy how to use his vision, introducing him to new sensory input.
He held a piece of black construction paper near his eyes. Bright light illuminated it.
“This is very dark,” I told him.
Changing the paper to white I said, “This is very light.”
He examined each paper as one would look into a microscope.
Then, I presented the black piece to him again. “Is this dark or light?”
“Dark.”
His response sent chills up my back. He could tell the difference.
Systematically, I taught him different shades. Amazingly, he could tell me with perfect accuracy which shades were darker than others. The next step was to teach him the names of the colors.
Finally, the time came to apply his new-found vision. He correctly sorted my husband’s dress shirts into colors and whites. He noticed the difference between a delicious apple and a green apple, chocolate milk and white milk. He began to see because he opened his eyes. Light came into his world, freeing him.
I can choose darkness or light. If I walk in the darkness of my disability, I’m in danger of despair, doubt, denial, dread, depression, and even self-destruction. But when I walk in His light, I experience peace and security.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12
Prayer: Dear Father, Praise You for sending Your Son so that I might walk in the light of eternal life. Help me follow You each day. I desire to focus on Your light instead of my disease. Thank You for the peace that floods my heart as Your beam of light guides me through life. Keep my gaze ever upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Have you chosen to follow the light of the world? What has it been like?
Recent Comments