Four eyes. That was my nickname for the latter half of fourth grade. I blame my teacher, really. She noticed my struggle trying to make out each number to the math equation on the chalkboard. Shortly after that, a trip to the optometrist resulted in a nice, thick, awkward pair of prescription glasses. Huge emphasis on ‘awkward’ . . . and while we’re here, we can place emphasis on ‘thick’ as well. They were not the cutest of pairs.
Not a day goes by that I don’t experience the little nuances of being a glasses owner. Cleaning off smudges throughout the day, loosing them in between seat cushions, being blinded when walking outdoors to a hot, humid day. Hello, Texas.
And of course, the occasional uh-oh. Cracked lenses.
Trying to look through a pair of cracked lenses is not easy. Your view is, without a doubt, distorted. It’s hard to make sense of what’s in front of you – images are skewed, jumbled and a bit blurred. Trying to navigate with damaged lenses causes you to interpret your environment differently. It’s not a true depiction of your reality.
You know what I’ve realized? Having a pair of cracked glasses is like having a heart that’s been bruised and broken. Cracked even. We don’t see as clearly as we should.
A bruised heart – caused by rejection, disappointment, or betrayal just to name a handful – can result in a distorted view of your environment. A reaction to a certain thing or even words from others may be interpreted in a way that it wasn’t intended, leaving you more banged up and bruised. Our heart’s condition can determine how we react, how we think, and how we process information given.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
There are times when I’ve felt my heart’s condition was responsible for my reaction to what was going on around me – whether it was be a friend’s words or even an obstacle I was facing. Was I looking through lenses of past hurt? Was my reaction rooted from a place that had yet to deal with previous disappointment, rejection or betrayal? These were areas that needed to be taken to the cross for an exchange. Not just to patch and tape up, but to replace with brand new lenses. A brand new pair that magnifies mercy, forgiveness and love. Lenses that help to see others the way Christ sees them, to love others the way He loves them, and to love myself they way He loves me. Clarity.
He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
It can be a challenge to not let past hurts effect our current state but, honestly, what can hurt more is not living the abundant life that Christ gave His life for. Just as glasses can break again, so can your heart. But don’t hold on to the broken pair, bring them back to the cross for an exchange.
Lord, I’m giving up on trying to patch and fix things on my own and I’m giving everything to you. Heal areas in my heart that are broken and bruised. Give me eyes to see things the way you see them. Help me to see and love others the way you do. May my life, my thoughts, my actions and reactions be a reflection of You.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
Until next time sister,
Nicole
