For me, having my cataracts removed and replaced with clear lenses
appears to be a miracle. I had worn glasses or contacts for over 45 years of my life resigned to the fact that I will never be able to simply wake up and read the clock on my bedside table without putting my glasses on first. Well, that all changed 6 months ago as I am now seeing with the clarity I never thought possible, at least in this lifetime. My vision is restored, colors are distinct and brighter all the while leaves on trees have definition. No more blur for me. It is a miracle!
As I have relished in this excitement, I’ve discovered the vision of my tender heart has become cloudy since the election in November. What I see and feel in my heart is in conflict with others. I fear the loss of relationships over political differences. My commitment to serenity has become threatened with all the hatred and violence happening in our country. I feel at a loss as to, “Where do I stand in all of this?” The peaceful life I so desire is being rocked by the onslaught of external forces. My heart is conflicted in trying to find the balance of where I appear to remain calm and civil on the outside while ignoring my rage and fear simmering on the inside. Something needs to change for me.
My tender heart is hurting.
Now I know that only God can transform my heart and to be quite honest with you, I am inviting God to do just that. I have asked Him “to grow my capacity to love and to live into the secret of love and forgiveness.” These were life-changing words spoken during a sermon I listened to recently. I had to admit that my love has weakened over these last few months. I found my heart contemptuous at a news reporter who commented that, “If Jesus were alive today he would not be allowed admittance into the United States.” Really? This is not the Jesus I know who is alive and not bound by borders. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Yet my heart felt extremely sarcastic toward this reporter AND mostly curious as to how my truth could be seasoned with love to release the forgiveness I so desire for my tender heart.
I’m discovering the pathway to love and forgiveness begins within me.
It is the path I am choosing to follow as I live into the nature of God so freely expressed in Colossian’s chapter 3. His nature is to love and to forgive one another as He has loved and forgiven me. It is not so much a secret just a reminder for my heart that has gotten caught up in the turmoil of today. God is not surprised that my heart is experiencing tension as He is gently nudges it back to experiencing the miracle of love and forgiveness for others and myself.
I would be remiss if I didn’t say that love and forgiveness is setting my heart free. Not only that but my tender heart impacts others as my forgiveness is released into the world.
Yes, miracles can happen. It happened for the restored vision of my eyes and now for my tender heart. Think of the glorious impact each one of our hearts can make when we cut loose with love and forgiveness into our troubled world. Our collective hearts can make a difference.
Try it and see…
Mary Jane Hamilton loves her life living on Lake Michigan with her husband of 47+ years. It is her family that brings her the greatest joy especially her 6 grandchildren. MJ readily admits that she adores her dachshunds and rests in the comfort they provide. She smiles at life and “rolls with the punches” that are thrown her way. MJ loves Jesus and beauty, MJ loves wind, waves and thunder, MJ loves fashion and good wine, MJ loves…
I’m happy you can see without glasses! A blessing indeed. This election has seemed to infiltrate areas of life that once felt off-limits or sacred. No more. People are being very vocal about how they feel about both sides and it has made what was once neutral “faith” territory feel invaded. Also, a tension that we must choose a side instead of enjoying a neutrality and safeness in certain settings. I have recently quit reading blogs that are “Christian” blogs but have become platforms for the blogger to express their political sentiments. The blogs did not start out political – their premise seemed to be to encourage others in their walk of faith. I am starting to step away from anything that divides politically and trying to figure out how to live in this tension you spoke of. To love and accept without division. Thank you for writing Mary Jane. As always you wrote an eloquent piece.
Thank you, Barbara. I love the clarity of your heart that you expressed so well. It is sad that so much has changed that our hearts bear the brunt of it all. I am glad that my words have helped to ease some of the tension you are feeling. Your words are a gift to me💗MJ
Such good words Mary Jane! Thank you❤
Thank you, Deanna. Let’s live into the richness of life that only Christ can offer💗MJ
Thanks for sharing so honestly the miracles occurring in your life, through your eyes and your heart!
I love what you shared because my husband is an eye surgeon and he gets help people see again! It is truly miraculous how vision can be restored, how cloudy can be exchanged for clear.
Also, I’ve been working in cardiac surgery for a year and continue to be astonished and puzzled by the ways the literal heart reflects the spiritual heart. The heart is a tricky thing, not so easily restored as vision, and the process of repairing it can mean life vs death.
I love that Jesus heals our vision and our hearts on a profound level, that He promises to do so. I love that he gives us tangible tastes of that healing process through the miracle of medicine and surgery. I love that no healing is too big for Him, even the healing of this deeply broken country, and the healing of our own sad and cynical hearts towards it and each other!
Thanks for your words, Mary Jane! Full of hope!
Thank you, Libby for your kind response…it was so good to read your words. I love that your husband restores vision and that you are in the “heart” arena (and I believe in more ways than one)! I, too, love that our God heals our bodies and has people in place to make it so alive for us. You and your husband are in a wonderfully unique place to notice all of this first hand! He holds our country in His mighty hand…I can rest in that. Blessings to you and yours💗MJ