2020 Vision

     

     It's been so long since my vision was 20/20 that I can hardly remember seeing without glasses (or contacts). And when I could, I never contemplated actually writing those numbers as a date! Yet in all honesty, striving for clarity has always been part of my makeup. Just ask my husband and son, who years ago together dubbed me "BeNosey.org" for what I prefer to call my insatiable curiosity! 

      Oh, that I had replaced that "need to know" with the seeking after true wisdom; I would no doubt have saved myself untold stress and countless poor choices. As Proverbs 4:6-7 instructs, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." (NIV) But perhaps Job was right in saying "Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old." (Job 12:12 NLT) It has taken me an awfully long time to begin to "understand" this "wisdom"!

      On New Year's morning, just a few days ago, I was up well before dawn, as has become my habit. I love sitting in the dark living room gently illuminated by the tiny lights of my Christmas tree. I frequently gaze out the picture windows overlooking the meadow and woods in front of our house, watching for the first hint of light. As the sun rose somewhere far to the east, the sky just beginning to turn from midnight black to slate blue, I had to look twice, and then again at one of the tall oak trees edging our meadow. I saw softly glowing balls of light that seemed to be caught in the bare branches. (They resembled those new balls of colored or white mini-lights I've seen in a few neighborhoods at Christmas-- I love them!) 

      At first I thought it might be a reflection of the tree lights in the window between me and the outdoors, so I stood up and moved around the living room. But they didn't move from the oak tree. They stayed until the brightening sun drowned out their subtle glow. But what swelled in my breast as I contemplated them, was the warmest feeling of hope: hope for a new clarity at the dawn of a new decade, hope for new wisdom that comes only from above, hope for a peaceful heart, no matter what challenges I may face.

      So perhaps the year 2020 might bring more clarity of vision. This is my prayer for you and for me: that the Light of Hope may ever glow before us, guiding us to ever greater wisdom. 💖

      "'For I know the plans I have for you,' -- this is the Lord's declaration -- 'plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' -- this is the Lord's declaration...." Jeremiah 29:11-14a (CSB)