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Sharp. Bold. Crisp.
by Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! (1 Corinthians 13: 12, MSG)
About a month ago, I noticed that I had a problem with blurry vision in my right eye. I made an optometrist appointment for the next available time I was at home. As my eyes were examined, I covered my left eye and read the chart, with little to no problem. When I covered my right eye to read with my left eye, I was only able to read the 60 line. Everything became “clear” that my prescription in my left eye needed to be changed.
As I continued my eye examination, answering the age-old questions, “Is 1 or 2: Sharper. Bolder. Crisper?” and then “Is 3 or 4: Sharper. Bolder. Crisper?” Once the exam was complete, new frames and lenses ordered, I eagerly awaited my new glasses.
The day that I received the text to go and pick them up, I was so excited! And when I tried them on, I realized just how much I wasn’t seeing. I had “brand new eyes” in which to literally see the world. The excitement waned slightly as my eyes and brain needed to adjust to the new way of seeing, and I need adjust to the way my new frames changed my appearance!
I couldn’t help but reflect on my former way of seeing the world, through glasses that were no longer serving their purpose. Basically, I was so used to my old way of seeing, that I did not know there was a different and – in this particular situation – better way in which to see. I think about how often we participate in our Christian walk – experiencing things as we have always done without much thought that maybe there are some tools to help us see God/experience God/love God more deeply – to be sharper, to be bolder, to be crisper in our faith walk.
I see this (pun intended!) as an invitation to explore a variety of ways to be sharp, bold, and crisp in our faith. It may be to find ways to serve others in the name of Christ in food or shelter ministries; to study God’s Word in Bible studies throughout the year; to engage in justice seeking through our work in anti-discrimination matters; to discover and practice a new prayer method; to visit shut-ins/those living in skilled nursing facilities; attending worship regularly; reading a Psalm and praying through it daily; and/or joining in a conversation with fellow Christians sharing how it is with your soul.
There are so many ways to be sharper (knowing God’s Word); to be bolder (sharing our faith with others); and to be crisper (to be intentional about personal and communal piety). We must be willing to enhance our prescription. May the God of all possibility make it so. Amen.