Will You Pray for Me…
When I began writing posts about prayer a few days ago, I didn’t anticipate the one I am writing today.
Yesterday, I received a call I would have rather not received. My ophthalmologist’s assistant told me test results were in, and I have glaucoma in my right eye. The next day, I picked up my prescription—eye drops I’ll probably need to use for the rest of my life and which, the pharmacist explained, may turn my blue right eye brown. A new twist to Crystal Gayle’s Country Western hit, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue!”
Many years ago, I was in a serious auto accident in which I sustained severe facial injuries to the right side of my face. My right eye was swollen shut for many weeks. I recall asking my doctor if I would regain sight in that eye. His response, “We don’t know.”
Finally, the swelling subsided. I could see, but my vision was double, which seemed almost worse than not being able to see. When I asked my doctor if the double vision would go away his response was as before, “We don’t know.”
Slowly, the double vision returned to normal.
More than 40 years have passed since those conversations. Until three years ago, my yearly ophthalmologist visits had been “boring,” (the type of medical appointments I prefer). Then, the doctor expressed concerns about glaucoma. Subsequent field of vision tests were normal until a couple weeks ago.
I am not happy about the diagnosis, but as I ponder this unfortunate turn of events, I feel more gratitude than concern.
Following a bit of research, I learned glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60. Blindness, though, can usually be prevented with medication.
I am grateful for the miracle of modern medicine and for men and women who spend years and many dollars training for their profession.
As I think back to the trauma of the accident, which happened when I was the tender age of 23, I cannot help but wonder what would have happened if sight had not been restored to my right eye or if the double vision had persisted.
I am grateful for God’s graciousness in allowing a much different outcome, and for the gift of relatively good eyesight in both of my eyes.
I’m reminded of many whose vision problems have been so much greater than mine.
For instance, my husband would have gone blind a few short years ago because of a congenital condition if it had not been for surgery, which Ron believes is the “miracle” for which he prayed many years.
A friend has been struggling for almost a year with an extremely painful, debilitating eye infection.
Within my family, many have suffered with macular degeneration, a condition my doctor has not observed in me.
I am grateful God allows us to experience enough pain to enable us to empathize, encourage, and pray for others.
In conclusion,
I am grateful to Jesus, God who came to earth as man, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, and who on that cruel cross carried not only our sins but also, our suffering. (See Luke 4:18 and Isaiah 53:5)
Finally, I am beyond grateful for the promise of an eternal home where God will wipe every tear from our eyes, and where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. (See Revelation 21:4)
If you think about it and feel led to do so, please pray for me during this time of trial. I appreciate every prayer and so appreciate everyone who is willing to pray.
