To See

by Shauna Brown 

     I remember sitting across the examination room as my mother inquired of the eye specialist, “Will I ever see again in this eye?”

    His answer was clear and decisive, “No, I am sorry.” 

    It had been months since her eye surgery and every hope, prayer and procedure had been extended. The reality that nothing could be done was a tragic reality.  My mother had loved her surrounding world. She had written poetry, vivid stories and was always eager to invite, “Hurry, come and see the beautiful sunset!”  She valued and wrote about her love of God’s creations.  My mother was the one who introduced me to the life of Helen Keller. Mama picked up Helen's autobiography at the library when I was ten. I have long held great admiration for a woman who lived in a dark, silent world. As I continue to study her life I marvel at all that she was able to accomplish.  Her life and thoughts have long held my respect. Let me share a moment of her advice:

    " I who am blind can give one hint to those who see: Use your eyes as if tomorrow you would be stricken blind. And the same method can be applied to the other senses. Hear the music of voices, the song of a bird, the mighty strains of an orchestra, as if you would be stricken deaf tomorrow. Touch each object as if tomorrow your tactile sense would fail. Smell the perfume of flowers, taste with relish each morsel, as if tomorrow you could never smell and taste again. Make the most of every sense; glory in the beauty which the world in all the facets of pleasure reveals to you through the several means of contact which Nature provides. But of all the senses, I am sure that sight is the most delightful.”

~ Helen Keller

  

    Might we take a moment to breathe in the beautiful things around us.  Let’s slow down and gratefully open the God given gifts. Unwrap the morning sunrise and blow a kiss to God for sending it.  See the value of colors and cherish God’s masterpieces. Generously sprinkle seeds for the birds.  Marvel how God wraps the earth in a blanket of white, as to nurture the coming sprouts of spring. Smile as a rainbow offers promises. Thrill at characters  within the puffy white clouds. Listen to melodies created and tuned to the Lord. Embrace the peacefulness of a sunset as God whispers peace to your soul.  

     I remember Helen sharing in her history, that one of the first things she wants to see-- is the face of a newborn baby.  

     What do you want to see?  Do we too frequently wear dark glasses and miss the vivid splendor of God's handy work?  

     So this Christmas as we unwrap the gifts given by our friends, family, and Santa, might we all take a moment and share a God given gift that we appreciate. Perhaps it might make our Christmas morning-- fully filled with rejoicing as well as blessings counted. 

    

     In all of Helen’s darkness she had insight: “For three things I thank God every day of my life: thanks that he has vouchsafed me knowledge of his works; deep thanks that he has set in my darkness the lamp of faith; deep, deepest thanks that I have another life to look forward to--a life joyous with light and flowers and heavenly song.” 

   Helen gloried in the Lord, and so might we.

   Merry Christmas! For Jesus Christ,is truly the light- reason for the season- and giver of the greatest gift to all mankind. 

 

Enjoy everything about your Sabbath and Christmas.

Love to all

Shauna